Memorial Day
May 30th is the day we set aside as Memorial Day, though it was celebrated Monday, a moment to honor the men and women that gave their lives in the defense of our Country an’ I thank the Good Lord that we are still a free nation an’ we can stand tall an’ proud as we honor those men an’ women that have given their all so that we might have the opportunity to salute Old Glory, our symbol of freedom an’ that we can have the opportunity to give thanks to our God, who allows the United States of America to remain a free, strong, democratic, and Christian country. Our Country is known for its resiliency and perseverance. It also honors our heroes, those that gave their all for our country, the United States of America! We celebrate these heroes on this day. Let’s look at the history of Memorial Day.
On May 5, 1868, a group of Union Veterans calling themselves “The Grand Army of the Republic” set aside a day to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj.Gen.
John A. Logan determined that the date for the observance would be May 30th. This date was possibly chosen because flowers would be blooming in abundance. Even before this official mandate, there had been many local instances of citizens honoring the war dead, both Union and Confederate.
In fact, the Athenian leader, Pericles, offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago, stating “There dwells an unwritten memorial to them, graven not in stone but in the hearts of men.” History shows that by the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities. Shortly after the end of World War I, the ceremonies began to honor those lives lost in all American wars. Memorial Day, which is sometimes still called Decoration Day was declared a national holiday by an act of congress in 1971. In December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed “The National Moment of Remembrance Act.” This would ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten. The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a moment of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. The National Memorial Day holiday, originally known as ‘Decoration Day’ was first observed on May 30, 1868. As Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. said in his Memorial Day address in 1884, “Memorial Day ‘celebrates and solemnly reaffirms from year to year a national act of enthusiasm and faith.” With changing times, Memorial Day is more celebrated as a holiday than the glum occasion it was meant for. We must remember that the day means to honor America’s defense personnel who lost their lives in various wars. I am proud that Marlin and Falls County choose to observe this National Holiday with a ceremony on the Courthouse Square and I am thankful for all of those that gave their lives for our freedom. This is a poem I wrote to commemorate Memorial Day and to honor those who gave their all.
MEMORIES
The old gent sat there in the shade, his eyes misted, as memories marched past him in a grand parade, with their sad faces an’ silent pleas.
Faces from a long time ago when they were all young an’ carefree.
But soon their way of life would slow an’ bring a change in destiny.
The drums of war began to sound, bringin’ veiled threat of freedom dear.
Brave young lives all stood their ground an’ faced tyranny without fear.
Their love of God, Country, an’ Flag gave them strength to stay the course.
Reputations were fact, not brag, but faith in God would be their source.
The horrible toll brought by war manifested it’s ugly head.
Many brave young lives closed that door an’ on the battlefield lay dead.
But all was not in vain that day, ‘cuz victory would be their claim.
An’ sacrifice would have its say as brightly burned sweet freedom’s flame. Then a smile came, as he blinked a tear, while Old Glory fluttered through.
He stood, saluted, an’ gave a cheer for comrade an’ freedom so true.
© Ol’ Jim Cathey
Another significant fact about Memorial Day; In Dublin, Texas, sixty-one years ago, on May 30, 1964, I married my young bride Stella!
They tied the knot in’64, As ‘crost the trails they trod, An’ trothed their love forever more, Entwined by the Grace of God!
© Ol’ Jim Cathey
God Bless each of you and God Bless America!