What Happened to Memorial Day?

From General Order No. 11 , May 15, 1868, by General John A. Logan, on the creation of Memorial Day (known then as Decoration Day):

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose, among other things, ‘of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.’ What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foe? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their death a tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and found mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; 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.

It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

What happened? When and how did this solemn day of remembrance become a day of mattress sales and backyard barbecues? What happened to the parades that featured all of the living veterans of past wars marching down Main Street and ending at the town cemetery, where flags and flowers were placed to honor our fallen?

There’s a little history, of course: after years of Memorial Day being celebrated on May 30 as a day of remembrance, its potency diluting every year, the big change came in 1971 when Congress enacted the National Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, creating the three-day weekend we’re all so familiar with today.

What can you do to restore Memorial Day?

It’s easy, really. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a day off work with your friends and family. Nothing at all. I just ask that you include at least one activity in your weekend that is focused on the meaning of the day.

When we were in South Korea, some intrepid souls found and made public the graves of American service members buried there.

Right there, in Seoul.

The cemetery, a beautiful and peaceful green space in the middle of a city of more than 11 million people, is only tended twice a year by the groundskeepers. We went to see what we could do. My husband and I, along with several of his soldiers, boarded the subway, armed with trimmers and edgers, work gloves, and trash bags. We spent a very rewarding day neatening up the graves of these brave souls, some of whom had served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It was a joyful day, and it felt good to be able to pay respect to these men who paved the way for us.

I don’t expect everyone to find an undiscovered grave and tend to it. But you can visit the ones you know about. Get some flowers, some flags, and head out. Pay a little visit, thank a fallen service member, and remember what the day is all about.

Then, go ahead and have your barbecue. Just maybe, when you pick up that beer, lemonade, or sweet tea, drink a toast to those who made it possible.