Memorial Day: Pause, Reflect, Remember

Memorial Day: Pause, Reflect, Remember
By: Gloria Calhoun, M.Ed.

Nationally, Americans are preparing to celebrate this holiday weekend leading up to what is known as Memorial Day.  Each year, it is observed on the last Monday in May to commemorate all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season. This year, things will look a little differently due to the world health crisis. Nonetheless, I urge you to pause to remember. 

It was originally known as Decoration Day back in the civil war period. This day was observed to memorialize the over 625,000 soldiers who died at war.  History recalls the first Decoration Day was in the spring of 1865 when the beautiful port city of Charleston, S.C., lay in ruin. Among the first soldiers to enter and march up Meeting Street singing liberation songs was the 21st United States Colored Infantry; their commander accepted the city’s official surrender.

Whites had largely abandoned the city, but thousands of blacks, mostly former slaves, had remained, and they conducted a series of commemorations to declare their sense of the meaning of the war.  It was reported that hundreds of bodies were buried in mass graves at a once prestigious race track that was used as a prison for Union Soldiers during the Civil War.  Over 267 bodies were found thrown in the mass grave. Freed Slaves gave these unknown soldiers who were of various races a proper burial by building a fence around the area and painting it.  Following the burial was a ceremony. 

The current name Memorial Day did not come into use until after World War II and took many years for states to recognize this day as a federal holiday. 

Sadly, Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing. Many people choose to hold picnics, sporting events and family gatherings, and Memorial Day sales on this weekend. It is a weekend for graduations, proms and is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events.

While you are sitting by the pool, cooking out and enjoying social distancing with family and friends, It is important that we do not forget why we remember on this day.

Thank to all that sacrificed for our freedom!

Happy Memorial Day