Does anyone remember Decoration Day?

Memorial Day was once called Decoration Day.

Decoration Day started after the Civil War as a day of remembrance for those who died.  It was a day to decorate the gravesites of fallen soldiers.

This tradition has continued through the many wars our country has endured.  I remember as a young girl, after World War ll, going to decorate family graves.  Although our loved ones weren't always veterans, it was important to decorate their graves.  A few days before Decoration Day, we gathered flowers from whatever was blooming in our yards. Depending upon the spring, we could have lilacs, spirea, iris, tulips and daffodils, and put them in our fruit-jar vases.  With these fresh bouquets, along with some potted plants, we went to the gravesites in a Minneapolis cemetery.

It may seem strange to say, but to a little girl, the cemetery came alive this one time a year.  Families were buzzing everywhere: manicuring graves after the long winter, potting beautiful, colorful flowers in urns and adding personal touches to decorate for their departed loved ones.  Every family had experienced a different story and memory.  Veteran's organizations sold little red paper poppies to wear as a way to show our respect and love for those who died serving our country.  I remember my mother and aunts proudly wearing their Red Cross pins in their lapels.

Next weekend my family tradition continues, as it will for thousands of other families.  It's always heartwarming to go back to the cemetery and see the many people remembering the importance of our now Memorial Day.  Not just a weekend to go to the lake, but taking the time to prepare the graves, attend the Memorial Day services, and taking the time to appreciate the value of our nation and  those who made it great. 

I will bring my pot full of flowers and insert cut flowers in the little green tin vase with the "icepick" at the end that pokes into the ground.  I will visit my long departed family members who gave me many fond memories growing up. as well as recognizing those who were veterans.

One image that stays with me, for a long time after leaving the cemetery, is the sight of thousands of American flags at the graves of those who served in the armed forces and experienced the horrors of war.  I have an uplifting feeling, yet it tugs at my heart as I say a prayer, thanking God for those who paid the highest price keeping American safe and strong and those who continue to do so.  This is Memorial day to me.  I hope this tradition will continue and that future generations will feel the importance and significance of the day, to remember and to give thanks.