Memorial Day Weekend: The Real Reason for Celebrating...

Memorial Day is a holiday that originated after the Civil War. Did you know that it was originally called Decoration Day? Though the term "Memorial Day" was first used in 1882, this was not common practice until after World War II. Federal law declared it the official name in 1967. You can still find many vintage post cards that reflect the Decoration Day name.

Decoration Day

 

Sleep, comrades, sleep and rest

On this Field of the Grounded Arms,

Where foes no more molest,

Nor sentry's shot alarms!

Ye have slept on the ground before,

And started to your feet

At the cannon's sudden roar,

Or the drum's redoubling beat.

But in this camp of Death

No sound your slumber breaks;

Here is no fevered breath,

No wound that bleeds and aches.

All is repose and peace,

Untrampled lies the sod;

The shouts of battle cease,

It is the Truce of God!

Rest, comrades, rest and sleep!

The thoughts of men shall be

As sentinels to keep

Your rest from danger free.

Your silent tents of green

We deck with fragrant flowers

Yours has the suffering been,

The memory shall be ours.

                              -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I hope that you are having a great holiday weekend, and taking at least a few minutes to remember the fallen soldiers that served on our behalf, making our country what it is today. Stay safe!