Remembering why we remember

By Hannah Wever
Review Staff Writer
Published: May 22, 2008

A three-day weekend at the end of May, when temperatures are warm and many folks have a serious case of Spring Fever, seems like a great time to throw a barbecue or splash in the pool. But for some, a day off on the last Monday in May has a more important purpose—memorializing those who gave the supreme sacrifice for democracy and freedom.
Memorial Day originated in the 1860s, as a way for the nation to honor the estimated half million Americans who died during the Civil War. Back then, the late-May day was called Decoration Day, and in Arlington National Cemetery and other military cemeteries, the graves of the dead were decorated with flowers, lowered flags and somber ceremonies during well-attended, large-scale observances.
Over the next 50 years, Memorial Day ceremonies started to become regular annual events in many towns and cities. One by one, various state legislatures started to issue official proclamations declaring May 30 as Memorial Day, and the United States Army and Navy both adopted regulations for official observance of the date.
Informally, the meaning of Memorial Day expanded--along with honoring those who died in the Civil War, on May 30, Americans now paid homage to those who died in all American wars. By the time the Great War ended in 1916, thousands of Americans had died fighting for their country. Back home, there was an even greater number grieving for the war dead.
In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, and legislated that the day of recognition of those who died in service be observed, each year, on the last Monday in May.
Locally, American Legion Post 156 presents an annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Taylor Park in the town of Orange at 11 am. Secretary for the post and United States Air Force veteran Neil McDowell said the day honoring the fallen ranks is significant.
“It’s one of the most important holidays besides Christmas,” McDowell explained. “It’s about all those guys who gave their lives—it was the ultimate sacrifice. We read the names of all the Orange County heroes who died in the great wars, in order to honor their service,” he said.
Post members, the high school’s JROTC color guard and the Orange Community Band will participate in Monday’s Memorial Day service.
At Lake of the Woods, the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 128, will host their annual observance of Memorial Day at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse. The program begins at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26. The guest speaker will be U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Michael Downs. The public is invited to attend.
Chapter Secretary Ralph Gardner said the annual event gives veterans a chance to reflect on their experiences, and an opportunity for the public to pay tribute.
“All sorts of people come up to you and say ‘Thank you for what you did,’ ” Gardner said.
In Gordonsville, Woodberry Cemetery Association Trustees hope and expect many families will visit and remember their deceased loved ones with flowers and tributes on Memorial Day. The cemetery association hopes Memorial Day visitors can help locate unmarked burial sites and help complete historical records. Woodberry Cemetery Association members will be available at the cemetery Saturday, May 24 and May 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist.