Allie Wenskoski, Freshman
Memorial Day, established in 1868, was originally recognized around the country as Decoration Day. When the holiday first started, Decoration Day was scheduled on May 30th because it was the date of no particular battle. However, in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act meaning that the holiday would now be celebrated as the last Monday in May so federal employees would have a three day weekend. Since then, Memorial Day has been celebrated to remember those who have died in military service for the United States of America. While it is not clear where the idea of Memorial Day started because over two dozen cities and town take credit for the idea, the meaning and purpose of this national holiday shines through every year. After the Civil War concluded, families and friends of the fallen would set out flowers in a memorial for their dead loved ones. In 1966, the federal government announced that the official birthplace is Waterloo, New York. It became an official federal holiday in 1971, though many Americans use this holiday to mark the unofficial beginning of summer.
While parties and barbeques can be frequently found on this holiday because of the warm weather, there are many other patriotic ways to celebrate those who fought for our country. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to honor the fallen. Cities and towns across the nation host big parades as well; the biggest being in New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Just because cities host the most events doesn’t mean that the celebrating has to stop there. Flags should be flown at half-staff until noon for mourning. There are also multiple organizations where one can donate towards the cause, or shop for patriotic decor and clothing. The “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed in 2000 and asks for all Americans to pause for a moment of silence or listen to ‘Taps’ in order to honor and respect all fallen soldiers. There is also a petition available online that advocates for Memorial Day to be celebrated on May 30th every year instead of the last Monday in May. The support for this petition claims that with Memorial Day being attached to a weekend, the meaning and sincerity of mourning has been destroyed. A former senator created a bill in 1989 for Memorial Day to have its traditional day of observance back. Every two years, when a new Congress is in place, the senator re-introduces the bill. This petition is to help make Congress finally take action on the suggested bill.
Whether Memorial Day is looked at as a day to sit back and be patriotic or as a day to honor our fallen veterans, the spirit and pride of being an American is a huge part of this holiday. This Memorial Day, think of the complex history and shaping that these fallen soldiers underwent for our freedom and protection.
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