Sunday Thought 42

Tomorrow is Memorial Day,  a day to remember those who have died in our nation’s service. Memorial Day was first officially “proclaimed” by General John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1868. It was observed by putting flowers on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery. In his general order, General Logan said the following:

“…gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime….let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude,–the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.”

Traditional ways of celebrating and remembering this solemn day are:

• visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
• visiting memorials.
• flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
• flying the ‘POW/MIA Flag’ as well.
• participating in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
• renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Enjoy the Holiday with family and friends. And take time to reflect on the freedoms–political, financial, spiritual–that others have sacrificed so much to preserve for us.

“…gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime….let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude,–the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.”

“…gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime….let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude,–the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.” –General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868