The Meaning Behind Memorial Day
It is easy to look at the upcoming 3-day weekend as the official kickoff to summer. But when you look at the way Memorial Day began and has evolved, the holiday brings a much deeper meaning and symbolism than many realize.
In the United States, the concept of Memorial Day began with Decoration Day, which was about honoring those veterans who died in the Civil War. Over 620,000 soldiers were lost in that war and the tradition of decorating their graves began before the war ended. One of the earliest examples of this type of commemoration occurred on May 1, 1865 when regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops and over 1,000 recently freed people gathered at the site of a mass grave of Union soldiers to dedicate a new, proper burial for them. In May of 1868, it was decreed by General John A Logan that May 30 should be a day to decorate their graves and honor the sacrifice of all those who fought and died in the Civil War.
After the First World War, which took 8.5 million lives (more lives than any other previous conflict in history) people across the world looked for ways to honor the dead and support the survivors. It was at this time that the symbolism of the poppy was inspired. On Memorial Day, you will see red poppies being worn or handed out. Have you ever wondered what the poppy has to do with our veterans?
After World War I, the destruction from battle left the land scarred and devastated. But in the following Spring, the same land bloomed with a sea of beautiful red poppies, in the very place where so many had died. Seeing this, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was moved to write the poem “In Flanders Field” about the poppies and the soldiers buried beneath them.
The poem “In Flanders Field” inspired people around the world including two ladies, Miona Michael in the United States and Anna Guerin from France. Miona made a vow to always wear a red poppy in remembrance and organized the making and selling of red silk poppies to raise funds to support surviving veterans.
In France, Madame Guerin was also organizing people to make poppies to raise money for restoration efforts after the war. Madame Guerin was influential in convincing the American Legion to adopt the poppy as its official symbol of remembrance and the tradition spread across Europe as well. Today the sale of red poppies continues to fund veteran’s programs worldwide.
In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday set for the last Monday in May, and included all veterans who gave their life in war (not just the Civil War or First World War). Throughout its evolution, the purpose behind Memorial Day has always been to remember and honor military veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives to help secure and protect our freedoms. In this way it is different from Veteran’s Day which celebrates all veterans, not just those who have died.
The day is meant to be spent thinking about their service, their sacrifice, and the freedoms we enjoy as a result. It may also be about considering their families and how we can support and help the loved ones they left behind. So, as you are enjoying the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks with your family this Memorial Day weekend, take some time to reflect upon and enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear.
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