I grew up hearing my grandfather call this holiday “Decoration Day”.   That was its name before we adopted “Memorial Day”.

This holiday was created to honor the Union military (they were almost all army, then) dead from the Civil War.  The Confederates celebrated on a different day (of course).  It was after my grandfather fought in “The Great War”, long after the Rough Riders, that “Memorial Day” began to take sway- and, it wasn’t until 1967 when the name change became law, and Decoration Day only exists overseas.

The actual day of honor- 30 May- was chosen because it would not impinge upon the memory of any battle (up to that time).  (This year we are, as we do for most holidays, moving it to a Monday to allow for a day off from work.) And, the decorations?  That came about because many of the war dead being honored were German immigrants- and it was the practice of the Germans to decorate the graves of their dead.  Hence, the first celebration of Decoration Day on 30 May 1868.

Almost always, our troops are called up to defend what we typically called “The American Way”.   That was meant to connote democracy, freedom, and equality.  Great tones.  But, too often breached in practice here in the States.  (Just think of 6 January!  Or, the voting law changes in Georgia, Texas, and Arizona!)

We are supposed to be an example for the world.  (Don’t get me started as to what we really are teaching the world now.)

Maybe we can use this Memorial Day to reinstitute our example.  To lead the world, showing them the “American Way”.  That would be an excellent way to honor our valiant fighters appropriately.

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