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Memorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend and a chance to get the year’s first sunburn. Here’s a handy 10-pack of facts to give the holiday some perspective.
1. It started with the Civil War
Memorial Day was a response to the unprecedented carnage of the Civil War, in which some 620,000 soldiers on both sides died. The loss of life and its effect on communities throughout the North and South led to spontaneous commemorations of the dead:
• In 1864, women from Boalsburg, Pa., put flowers on the graves of their dead from the just-fought Battle of Gettysburg. The next year, a group of women decorated the graves of soldiers buried in a Vicksburg, Miss., cemetery.
• In April 1866, women from Columbus, Miss., laid flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. It was recognized at the time as an act of healing sectional wounds. In the same month, up in Carbondale, Ill., 219 Civil War veterans marched through town in memory of the fallen to Woodlawn Cemetery, where Union hero Maj. Gen. John A. Logan delivered the principal address. The ceremony gave Carbondale its claim to the first organized, community-wide Memorial Day observance.
• Waterloo, N.Y., began holding an annual community service on May 5, 1866. Although many towns claimed the title, it was Waterloo that won congressional recognition as the “birthplace of Memorial Day.”
2. General Logan made it official
Gen. Logan, the speaker at the Carbondale gathering, also was commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans. On May 5, 1868, he issued General Orders No. 11, which set aside May 30, 1868, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion….”
The orders expressed hope that the observance would be “kept up from year to year while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades.”
3. It was first known as Decoration Day
From the practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, the holiday was long known as Decoration Day. The name Memorial Day goes back to 1882, but the older name didn’t disappear until after World War II. Federal law declared “Memorial Day” the official name in 1967.
4. The holiday is a franchise
Calling Memorial Day a “national holiday” is a bit of a misnomer. While there are 11 “federal holidays” created by Congress—including Memorial Day—they apply only to Federal employees and the District of Columbia. Federal Memorial Day, established in 1888, allowed Civil War veterans, many of whom were drawing a government paycheck, to honor their fallen comrades with out being docked a day’s pay.
For the rest of us, our holidays were enacted state by state. New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day a legal holiday, in 1873. Most Northern states had followed suit by the 1890s. The states of the former Confederacy were unenthusiastic about a holiday memorializing those who, in Gen. Logan’s words, “united to suppress the late rebellion.” The South didn’t adopt the May 30 Memorial Day until after World War I, by which time its purpose had been broadened to include those who died in all the country’s wars.
In 1971, the Monday Holiday Law shifted Memorial Day from May 30, to the last Monday of the month.
5. It was James Garfield’s finest hour—or maybe hour-and-a-half
On May 30, 1868, President Ulysses S. Grant presided over the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery—which, until 1864, was Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s plantation.
Some 5,000 people attended on a spring day which, The New York Times reported, was “somewhat too warm for comfort.” The principal speaker was James A. Garfield, a Civil War general, Republican congressman from Ohio and future president.
“I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion,” Garfield began, and then continued to utter them. “If silence is ever golden, it must be beside the graves of fifteen-thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem the music of which can never be sung.” It went on like that for pages and pages.
As the songs, speeches and sermons ended, the participants helped to decorate the graves of the Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
6. God knows, not even the Unknown Soldier can avoid media scrutiny these days
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” That is the inscription on the Tomb of the Unknowns, established at Arlington National Cemetery to inter the remains of the first Unknown Soldier, a World War I fighter, on Nov. 11, 1921. Unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War subsequently were interred in the tomb on Memorial Day 1958.
An emotional President Ronald Reagan presided over the interment of six bones, the remains of an unidentified Vietnam War soldier, on Nov. 28, 1984. Fourteen years later, those remains were disinterred, no longer unknown. Spurred by an investigation by CBS News, the defense department removed the remains from the Tomb of the Unknowns for DNA testing.
The once-unknown fighter was Air Force pilot Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, whose jet crashed in South Vietnam in 1972. “The CBS investigation suggested that the military review board that had changed the designation on Lt. Blassie’s remains to ‘unknown’ did so under pressure from veterans’ groups to honor a casualty from the Vietnam War,” The New York Times reported in 1998.
Lt. Blassie was reburied near his hometown of St. Louis. His crypt at Arlington remains permanently empty. [Image courtesy of VisitingDC.com.]
7. Vietnam vets go whole hog
On Memorial Day weekend in 1988, 2,500 motorcyclists rode into Washington, D.C., for the first Rolling Thunder rally to draw attention to Vietnam War soldiers still missing in action or prisoners of war. By 2002, the numbers had swelled to 300,000 bikers, many of them veterans. There may have been a half-million participants in 2005 in what organizers bluntly call “a demonstration—not a parade.”
A national veterans rights group, Rolling Thunder takes its name from the B-52 carpet-bombing runs during the war in Vietnam. Rolling Thunder XXI (and you thought only Super Bowls and Rocky movies used Roman numerals) is Sunday, May 25. [Image courtesy of WhiteHouse.gov.]
8. Memorial Day has its customs
General Orders No. 11 stated that “in this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed,” but over time several customs and symbols became associated with the holiday.
It is customary on Memorial Day to fly the flag at half staff until noon, and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset.
Taps, the 24-note bugle call, is played at all military funerals and memorial services. It originated in 1862 when Union Gen. Dan Butterfield “grew tired of the ‘lights out’ call sounded at the end of each day,” according to The Washington Post. Together with the brigade bugler, Butterfield made some changes to the tune.
Not long after, the melody was used at a burial for the first time, when a battery commander ordered it played in lieu of the customary three rifle volleys over the grave. The battery was so close to enemy lines, the commander was worried the shots would spark renewed fighting.
The World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrea, inspired the Memorial Day custom of wearing red artificial poppies. In 1915, a Georgia teacher and volunteer war worker named Moina Michael began a campaign to make the poppy a symbol of tribute to veterans and for “keeping the faith with all who died.” The sale of poppies has supported the work of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
9. There is still a gray Memorial Day
Several Southern states continue to set aside a day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day: Alabama: fourth Monday in April; Georgia: April 26; Louisiana: June 3; Mississippi: last Monday in April; North Carolina: May 10; South Carolina: May 10; Tennessee (Confederate Decoration Day): June 3; Texas (Confederate Heroes Day): January 19; Virginia: last Monday in May.
10. Each Memorial Day is a little different
No question that Memorial Day is a solemn event. Still, don’t feel too guilty about doing something frivolous, like having barbecue, over the weekend. After all, you weren’t the one who instituted the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. That credit goes to Indianapolis businessman Carl Fisher. The winning driver that day was Ray Harroun, who averaged 74.6 mph and completed the race in 6 hours and 42 minutes.
Gravitas returned on May 30, 1922, when the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated. Supreme Court chief justice (and former president) William Howard Taft dedicated the monument before a crowd of 50,000 people, segregated by race, and which included a row of Union and Confederate veterans. Also attending was Lincoln’s surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln.
And in 2000, Congress established a National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3pm in an act of national unity. The time was chosen because 3pm “is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.”
David Holzel is a freelance writer and edits the ezine The Jewish Angle.
Previously on mental_floss…
• He Took a Polaroid Every Day, Until the Day He Died
• The Nine Lives of Andrew Jackson
• 15 Reasons Mr. Rogers Was The Best Neighbor Ever
• Memories of Action Park
• Quiz: The License Plate Game
• Quiz: State Quarters
Where does Waterloo,NY come into the finding of Memorial Day,,,This town declares itself to be the founder of Memorial Day..like to know.. Mike
posted by Mike on 5-25-2008 at 7:53 pm
i thought that was really cool and i learned alot about memorial day!!!!!!!!!
posted by ashliegh price-buckmastrer on 5-25-2008 at 8:15 pm
Pres GW Bush better be humble and shed a few tears from the heart today. I doubt he will though, he just isn’t worthy.
posted by Arbyh on 5-25-2008 at 8:15 pm
We have a Confederate Memorial Day? That’s odd. I’ve never heard of anyone observing it…
posted by Aemi on 5-25-2008 at 8:18 pm
I lived in Atlanta for about 8 years and never knew Georgia had such a thing.
posted by David H. on 5-25-2008 at 8:23 pm
Its funny that the article said that the South has Confederate Memorial Day. I grew up in South Carolina and have never heard about it. I wonder how current that information is.
posted by real_redhead on 5-25-2008 at 8:23 pm
Yep. It’s a state holiday in South Carolina. State workers here get Confederate Memorial Day off as well as regular Memorial Day.
posted by yankee in the south on 5-25-2008 at 8:25 pm
I once witnessed a funeral processing at Arlington, simply because I was in the area and had to wait for it to pass. It was really a sight to behold. I had no idea that it was previously Robert E. Lee’s plantation. I wonder if he later considered it to be a slap in the face, or a strange sort of honor.
posted by Jerry on 5-25-2008 at 8:31 pm
no crap from draftdodgers there arbyh. Show some respect and kiss O’s butt somewhere else.
posted by oldschool on 5-25-2008 at 8:45 pm
Arbhy can stick it.
posted by Mike on 5-25-2008 at 8:46 pm
I as Past Camp Commander of the Sgt Philemon H McCracken Camp 50 of the Sons Of Union Veterans Of The Civil War
knew how Memorial Day started…..
posted by Jim McCracken on 5-25-2008 at 8:46 pm
Memorial Day
means holiday pay to me nothing else.
posted by Joe on 5-25-2008 at 8:49 pm
Memorial Day : Simple to Remember they Died for OUR FREEDOM…..Wake up AMERICA ,it is not about cook outs, sunburns, parties. It is about they who gave their lives. HONOR THEM ALL. RESPECT OUR MILITARY and OUR COUNTRY !
posted by martin on 5-25-2008 at 8:49 pm
Mr. President thanks for doing the best job possible. To bad the Congress and Senate have their blinders on. Because of veterans people can say what they want knowing they are save to do.
posted by John Ryan on 5-25-2008 at 8:58 pm
I find it a little odd that the south would continue to honor those that essentially fought against the United States (of the times). No offense, but they tried to undo the United part of the United States. Maybe it’s just me.
posted by Northern (sorry) on 5-25-2008 at 9:02 pm
Why pick a day of rememberance of our fallen heros to take a stab at the president. Its you that isnt worthy. God bless America and its soldiers.
posted by rockinrandal on 5-25-2008 at 9:13 pm
Let us never forget our fallen service men and women. They will not have died in vain if we remember to take care of the vetrans that are still alive and in need of civilian and goverment help. Because of them,we live in a free land. They fought for us.They stood up for us.
Let us reach down and pull them up to where they belong on our shoulders where heros deserve to be.
posted by dumb girl on 5-25-2008 at 9:31 pm
thanks for letting people know that memorial day is’nt just about sales or bbq’s
posted by jnm on 5-25-2008 at 9:31 pm
In Texas, state employees can take off for Confederate Heroes Day in January.
posted by Joe on 5-25-2008 at 9:33 pm
I think the overall tone of this article was a little too tongue-in-cheek, trying too hard to be hip instead of giving the subject matter the respect it deserves. Good info, though.
posted by Chip Harris on 5-25-2008 at 9:34 pm
found the article to be very informing..I agree G W Bush should be humble and shed a tear but will never happen from someone like him…
posted by ray a military man on 5-25-2008 at 9:43 pm
in regards to carbondale, il it is discouragingly unknown to the general public in so. illinois that it is indeed noted as the first established memorial day observed as a community. to this day there is a monument in the cemetery where it took place, but it is sadly untended.
posted by kris on 5-25-2008 at 9:51 pm
’bout time i start sein’ articles about “our boy’s”[past and present] instead of britney spears or tom cruise and his baby
posted by tim on 5-25-2008 at 9:53 pm
Memorial Day SHOULD be a time to reflect on the SACRIFICE and the GREAT SERVICE our Military Men and Women have given for our Country..past and present..not so in Myrtle Beach,SC its RUINED by the “Biker” weekend that rolls thru..what a shame
posted by Bless our troops on 5-25-2008 at 9:55 pm
the sad thing is is this holiday is growing not meaning the sales at stores and backyard party happenings etc…but the (war) in the east we are losing more and more service people over there.
if you agree with it or dissagree with it( as i do) as you are eating a rib and drinking a cold beer with your family.
remember the sacrafice thats being made right now for you and remember what this day is all about!!!
posted by southern and american on 5-25-2008 at 9:57 pm
I went to college in SC and was astonished when I went to the bank one day and there was a sign on the door saying, “Closed in honor of Confederate Memorial Day”. So it may not be celebrated by anyone, but it’s still apparently a good excuse for people not to go to work.
posted by HB on 5-25-2008 at 9:59 pm
wow, have lived in alabama since i was 12 and now for over 20 years and i don’t remember ever hearing of or celebrating ‘confederate memorial day’..
posted by tara on 5-25-2008 at 10:09 pm
It’s great to remember those who have passes on, but greater to remember those who still serve. A Viet Nam and 1st Gulf War vet.
posted by Michael J on 5-25-2008 at 10:14 pm
Many people have diferents blieved about this day some believe it is a confederte day others just dont know especialy the new generation. However to me is the day we remember and honor those who give their lives to unite a nation, because these heroes We are united as one nation under God, God Bless America my home swee home.
posted by Filibertp on 5-25-2008 at 10:16 pm
well i’m from alabama (since moved to michigan), and i never heard of confederate memorial day. the holiday that flummoxed me instead was king-lee day. how the state government could think it appropriate-or logical-that robert e. lee and martin luther king, jr. share a day of honor and remembrance has always been beyond me…
posted by terri on 5-25-2008 at 10:19 pm
Mike –
From the information I had, it seems as if Waterloo was the first community to have an annual commemoration, rather than a one-time thing.
Also, and I didn’t include this for length considerations, but Waterloo may have been given the nod early on because of General John Murray of Waterloo was a friend of General Logan’s.
I hope that clarifies things a bit.
posted by David H. on 5-25-2008 at 10:23 pm
Get a grip people. The article was suppose to be some fun educational material that I’m sure everyone will learn a little something new. Nothing else matters except those of us fortunate enough to be able to live and celebrate this holiday because of EVERY SINGLE person who gave their lives for YOU for ALL OF US to do, say and be what you want to today. This is NOT your day or OUR day, this is THEIR DAY!
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR HER
posted by Randy C. on 5-25-2008 at 10:28 pm
Yes, Georgia also celebrates Confederate Memorial Day and all state employees are off work.
posted by tsmitche on 5-25-2008 at 10:29 pm
Taps is sounded not played.
posted by perturbed on 5-25-2008 at 10:33 pm
I also learned a lot about Memorial Day and on this day I will honor our fallen heroes. Freedom is not Free. Also, I wish people would stop bashing the President. He is not my favorite but, he has tried to do well with what he had to work with. He has only a couple months left. Let’s try to focus on that.
posted by Janie V. Myers on 5-25-2008 at 10:38 pm
For anyone who has chosen to make a political statement here rather than honor the veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and the others who have served honorably to allow you the opportunity to experience this day, I ask you to reconsider. Please take a few minutes to pray and thank God for those who have served in the various branches of the military to keep your freedoms. My immediate family has over 90 years in the military since 1943. I thank God for their service, for their lives, for the recovery from their wounds, and most recently that our granddaughter served as a nurse at Balad AFB Hospital helping to heal the military and civilians alike.
Gene
posted by Gene C on 5-25-2008 at 10:45 pm
I was very perturbed when last year in the Memorial Day Parade the girl scouts were throwing candy. I’m a Boy Scout and I understand it wasn’t the girls faults they didn’t know what they were doing, it was the parents. It just upset me that they were throwing candy on Memorial Day in the Memorial Day Parade in town. I guess they thought it was the 4th of July but I just think it is the wrong tone. Memorial Day is a day of ‘rememberance’ and solemnity.
posted by pete on 5-25-2008 at 10:45 pm
I guess it’s nice to know whose the remains are for his family,but i had 2 uncles that where MIA’s and was told they where POW’s. They where never found or heard about again, there body’s where never found, there names are not on the wall. And this family wonders every year if …. recognition will be there for them as well for those others.
posted by Duane on 5-25-2008 at 10:48 pm
I learned a lot, thank you. and I wanted to also comment on the confederate memorial day, I have lived in Atlanta,Ga. for 20 years and have never heard of such a thing…I wonder if it is actually celebrated anymore?
posted by thenorm02 on 5-25-2008 at 10:49 pm
We don’t actually get a day off for Confederate Heros Day, but we do get a floating holiday of our choice for that day! Bill S., Fort Worth Texas
posted by William Smith on 5-25-2008 at 11:06 pm
thank you to all the people in the (ARMY NAVY AIRFORCE USMC ) for keeping our all free to live life thank you from EX-ARMY SPC FORD
posted by james ford on 5-25-2008 at 11:08 pm
I too would like to thank our military for there service! How sad that some have to bash our president, how cold to think that he doesn’t shed tears for our fallen Hero’s. I love this country, just not some of my countrymen!!!
posted by idaho_elk on 5-25-2008 at 11:14 pm
I have lived in Mississippi for 25 years and this was the first year I knew about Confederate Memorial Day and the only reason i knew about it was because i work for the state and it was a holiday.
posted by John R. on 5-25-2008 at 11:14 pm
4 words: Thanks to our troops!
posted by Todd on 5-25-2008 at 11:19 pm
I have lived in Mississippi for 24 years and this was the first year I knew anything about Confederate Memorial Day and the only reason i knew was because I work for the state and it was a holiday.
posted by John R. on 5-25-2008 at 11:19 pm
I know for a fact that our vets., has done their jobs and some are not recovered. My uncle served in the war. I remember him holding my hand when i was young, and nowadays, I am Proud of him holding my hand. He was passing away while holding my hand , August 16., he gave me a kiss and told me Happy Birthday and that he loved me…., then he passed away’~~I was young but i remember that and remember him and how weak he became, but he was there with me and I love him for that , he remembered me’~`I was about 7 yrs old . and i appreciate for what he did for me and others in the war’!!~~
posted by di hahn on 5-25-2008 at 11:22 pm
Yes, the holiday is one to remember those that have died for our freedom, but I’d like to take the time to remind everyone that part of that freedom is not only freedom of speach, but also the freedom to think for ourselves and believe in what we want to. This a place to post your comments and thoughts and opinions. I’d say it’d be rather obvious that not everyone is going to agree, but it’s much more mature to single someone out and state that you don’t agree with them instead of out right insulting them and resorting to name calling.
As for my views on memorial day, I’m very very thankful that my husband is not one of those we are remembering this holiday, and pray that he makes it home safe and sound after his next deployment as well. My heart goes out to every family that has lost a loved one.
And lastly, yes the south still has it’s own memorial days, but it’s not about celebrating the civil war, it’s the same as Memorial day, honoring those that gave their lives and remembering them. In my opinion, it’s not advertized on the same level of Memorial Day simply to keep from reminding people our country was once divided and to keep from taking the honor and respect from this holiday that it deserves.
posted by Severn on 5-25-2008 at 11:26 pm
Ray, I’m a milirary man also and PRESIDENT BUSH has shed more tears of sorrow than you will ever know about. Or should I say admit!
posted by bob on 5-25-2008 at 11:26 pm
i gave u my input of my ‘great uncle’, which died on my birthday in august. i just wish i had a better life with him cause i was close to him . I salute to all the veterans and the ones now. I appreciate everything you men and women has done for us, Thank You and In the Memory of MY Great Uncle, Thank You Very Much’~~more than u know’~
posted by di on 5-25-2008 at 11:32 pm
I’m surprised that so few in the South known of Confederate Memorial Day. Here in Alabama we DO celebrate it. I beleive that most if not all Confederate Memorial Day celebrations have concluded this year. Anyone can learn more about it by contacting the Sons of Confederate Veterans camp near them, or calling 1-800-MY-DIXIE (www.scv.org) for more information.
And for the record, this notion that the President doesn’t care for the troops is curious. Its funny that a man who chose the dangeroous profession of strike fighter pilot is so denigrated. (They can die in peacetime alost as easily as a result of combat action.) These same voices never questioned President Clinton, who never served, and showed open contemt for the military througout most of his life as a young man. What happened to the cries of the left during the Lewinsky fiasco that we have to respect the President, no matter who holds the office and no matter what he does?
RANGERS lead the way!
posted by C. Butler on 5-25-2008 at 11:32 pm
TO ALL THE BROTHERS & SISTERS WHO FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM, FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, GOD BLESS YOU! WE WILL NEVER SURENDER TO ANY COUNTRY OR ANY RELIGON THAT WE DON’T BELIEVE IN. GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. NEVER GIVE UP. LOVE YOU ALL, KNOW MATTER WHO YOU ARE. SGT.RICH USA.
posted by RICH G. on 5-25-2008 at 11:32 pm
Forget about politics, support YOUR troops! They are the ones who protect you without asking for anything in return while you worry about what new Ipod is coming out, or who is going to win American Idol. If you don’t agree with the war or are against the military you don’t deserve to leave a comment. Oh and by the way you are welcome for your freedom. (Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran) (Two Deployments)Semper FI!
posted by FormerMarineSgt on 5-25-2008 at 11:33 pm
It’s ironic that memorial day was for Confederate veterans, since they fought to undo the Union, not preserve it. It’s a commentary on how fair our country can be. I agree with Arbyh, our current “commander and thief” is a disgrace to the office as an AWOL air guard pilot. Anybody who voted for “W” voted for waste, corruption, and death for 4,000 plus of our nation’s finest-a total disgrace. God bless all veterans and the freedom they fought and died to preserve.
posted by dougalmac on 5-25-2008 at 11:37 pm
I respect all that have served and have given the ultimate price! Never forget!
posted by kim on 5-25-2008 at 11:37 pm
All I know is that I’m a 2-time Vietnam vet, & Me & PLENTY others fought, & some died, just so that people like “arbyh” will have the “Right” to say cruel, & stupid things like that!!
I DO NOT agree with him, BUT, I WILL stand up for his right to say it!! ( No matter HOW much of an A-Hole it makes him look like
posted by devilschild335 on 5-25-2008 at 11:37 pm
I would agree, WAKE UP AMERICA! where would we be without our past, present and future veterans? We’d better get our heads on straight, or we will find out.
posted by TXMANGMC on 5-25-2008 at 11:38 pm
Dumb Girl said it eloquently. So many men and women have heroically given their lives to defend and protect our freedom and way of life. Memorial Day is not about the politics of certain conflicts or wars, but about the fallen heros who faithfully served, fought, and died. Each and every veteran took an oath to defend the constitution and follow the orders of the Commander in Chief (even if those orders are not popular). I, as an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, will take time this Memorial Day to think of all the fallen veterans throughout the years. They are my heros and will never be forgotten. I challenge everyone else to do the same. And please do not forget about those who have returned home (as Dumb Girl stated). A simple thank you to a veteran means alot.
posted by Shawn on 5-25-2008 at 11:41 pm
Thanks to the majority of you.
SPC (SGT in a week) Hull
posted by appreciative on 5-25-2008 at 11:48 pm
FYI: South Carolina agreed to honor Martin Luther King Day only if it could
have Confederate Memorial Day. I want to thank all who have served this country no matter what war and even in times of peace. My thanks to you all!!
posted by T-n-SC on 5-25-2008 at 11:49 pm
For anyone to say memorial day is just a paid holiday needs to be taken out behind the woodshed and beat some respect and humility into him.I have 7 members over seas right now and people have the nerve to disrespect thier own country.How dare any of us sit here and think anything else but of the ones lost for our freedom just as the saying goes FREEDOM ISN’T FREE!!!!!
posted by Brian on 5-25-2008 at 11:50 pm
I remember.
I remember that we had to fight the virulence that threatened our nation.
I remember that it wasn’t the Vietnamese, it wasn’t the Iraqi’s, it wasn’t the Afghani’s.
Those that threatened our nation were The British.
Ourselves.
The Japanese.
The German.
And now? The Saudi Arabian.
Fight the right enemies.
posted by H8ees on 5-25-2008 at 11:53 pm
From an Army Aviator currently serving in Afghanistan, I thank you all for your support back home. Let’s all take two to three minutes to raise our glasses and beers and toast to those of us who are taking our turn in History to Stand Up and Fight for the Home of the Brave and Land of the Free!! You may not agree with service men and women fighting overseas. But remember this, I would much rather take this fight to their countries, instead of living in fear within the borders of my OWN !!!! signed, a Soldier, a Pilot, and a Father…….in Afghanistan
posted by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sattazahn on 5-25-2008 at 11:58 pm
I would like to thank all military, all branches, all fallen heros, everyone who has and is now fighting for our country. Keep up the good work. You are always in my heart and prayers. My thoughts are also with the families that loved one are not still around. Take Care, and God Bless our country.
posted by ELLEN on 5-25-2008 at 11:59 pm
God bless our soldiers and their families! Who cares about our government and our country.. without our military we may have nothing. This country doesn’t give them the credit they deserve!
posted by mike on 5-26-2008 at 12:03 am
Did any of you “W” is an OK guy, give him a break” types ever consider that there’d be less death and loss among our nations finest-our troops-if men like Bush would be more careful than to start wars for corporate greed and lies?
And to all ex-service people, I’ll say what I like, thank you very much. THAT’s what freedom really means. You want your opinion to be respected-respect the opinions of those with whom you disagree.
Your military service gives you NO right to dictate what people should think. Learn to be a real American. God Bless all our veterans living and dead who have served or our now serving their country.
posted by dougalmac on 5-26-2008 at 12:04 am
From Afghanistan, thanks to everyone who willingly supports all of my fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who are overseas fighting for our freedoms we take for granted. I represent those who are considered the “Brave”. All of you back in the US represent the “Free”, so if you hear a familiar song sometime today, think about the final phrases,,,,,,the Land of the “Free” and the Home of the “Brave” Let’s keep the fighting over in their countries, instead of living in fear of what may happen to our families if we were fighting in the USA.
Signed a Soldier, a Pilot, and a Father in Afghnistan
posted by CW2 Sattazahn on 5-26-2008 at 12:10 am
This holiday has a deep meaning to me, my wife is in the Army, my uncle is a Vietnam Vet, two of great uncles are/were WWII vets.(one of them is dead)
Talking about and reacting to politics isn’t a bad thing on this day or any other day. We the people should take responsibility for what we allow our government to do with these brave men and women who have served, do serve and will serve our country.
Hopefully before I become a widow and our two childrem lose their mother.
My last words on this; THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SERVE AND SERVED. BRING OUR TROOPS HOME.
posted by Dwayne on 5-26-2008 at 12:16 am
hey dougalmac noone called you out til now dont disrespect any service people they protected your life so you can open your big winey mouth and type whatever you wanted you have no opinion just criticizim what does Bush have to do with it nothing. So lay off of it. you want to bash people go to an anti Bush site or whoever else you loathe. not here
posted by Brian on 5-26-2008 at 12:17 am
its a great holiday. My husband is in the army and I hate people that don’t celebrate this. I also hate when people disrespect our president. I don’t care how you feel about him he is our president show respect.
posted by mel on 5-26-2008 at 12:19 am
Gen. Robert E. Lee’s property was confiscated by the Union Army during the Civil War and was turned into a burial ground for the war dead. The idea was to make the plac foreve uninhabitable as a dwelling and to punish Lee for his part in the war. After the war, Lee, and later his heirs after death, sued for the return of the property, and they won. The next day, howeve, the U.S. government bought the property.
posted by John Paul Parks on 5-26-2008 at 12:25 am
I am the Mother of an Army Major, soon to be Lt. Col., who is about to be deployed. He has chosen to serve and protect our country, even those misguided souls who actually don’t believe we are a war on terrorism. To him, those who served before him,those who serve with him, and those who will serve in the future, I give my heartfelt thanks. And to those who denigrate a President who has brought honor BACK to the office, I give my sympathy. These brave men and women will continue protect your right to be nieve, mislead, and foolish.
posted by Major Mom on 5-26-2008 at 12:27 am
The story about the unknown soldier was touching. It grabbed my hart and I even pause for a moment to hope that his family was well. But then when I got to the end and saw that it was written by the New York Slimes. IT MEANT NOTHING ATFER THAT! Next time please take credit for a story at the beginning, to save me the time of reading it. THANKS
posted by John on 5-26-2008 at 12:48 am
This is a day, regardless of your thoughts or views (opinion)……just remember the Troops that have fought to give you the right to have an opinion and have given you FREEDOM!
posted by HD on 5-26-2008 at 12:51 am
Thank you for the history of Memorial Day. I thank the Lord for our country USA. May our servicemen and servicewomen who died in the wars rest in peace. I am member of Civil Air Patrol. My husband and two sons are member of Air National Guard. May God bless USA and our servicemen and servicewomen. AMEN!
posted by Barbara J. Bush on 5-26-2008 at 12:52 am
Thanks to the men and women who gave all. To their families. May they rest in peace with the GOD of their belief. Thanks for the kind words posted here and jeers to all those who choose to open their mouth and remove all doubt.
(Think about the quote)
posted by Bob D Spc.5 CLSC-K 69-70 on 5-26-2008 at 12:56 am
I’VE LIVED IN GEORGIA FOR OVER 20 YEARS & NEVER HAVE KNOWN ANYONE WHO HAS CELEBRATED THIS “CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY” ——–EVERYONE——–WORKS ON APRIL 26 & NOTHING IS CELEBRATED NO COOKOUT OR SUNBURNS… IM SURE A FEW BUMF*CKS CELEBRATE IT & MAYBE DON’T SHOW UP FOR WORK BUT IT SURE ISN’T A PAID HOLIDAY.
ANYWAYS….GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!
–USAF WIFE.
posted by trish on 5-26-2008 at 12:59 am
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!
posted by USAF WIFE on 5-26-2008 at 1:05 am
Pres. George W. Bush is never mentioned in the article, aside from the photo.
Did the article get edited?
There seems to be a bit too much banter about him for an article that doesn’t mention him.
Calm down, folks.
posted by Megan on 5-26-2008 at 5:14 am
dying is so stupid. why were they even fighting? for freedom? gee, which side were communists? I’m so proud that I’m not trained to kill other people. no matter what it is, I will never fight for the country and I feel proud to be anti-patriotic. whats the point? its just an area where some people live. although I do feel proud when I HELP PEOPLE. this year I’m going to africa. woohoo.
posted by anti-patriot on 5-26-2008 at 8:08 am
RESPECTFULLY, ALL OF Y’ALL CIVILIANS WHO WANT TO WHINE AND ARGUE AND DISPARAGE SHOULD DO THIS: IF YOU ARE STILL BREATHING, YOU CAN THANK AN AMERICAN SOLDIER, MARINE, AIRMAN, OR SAILOR. QUIETLY AND TO YOURSELF. AND THEN GO ON ABOUT YOUR CIVILIAN BUSINESS, LET US DO OUR JOBS, AND LEAVE US ALONE.
posted by SGT F on 5-26-2008 at 8:13 am
I’m so happy that that I’m not trained to kill people. whats the point? fighting for freedom? which side were communists? fighting is stupid, it never solves anything. I feel so proud that I will never go to the military. no matter what it is, I will never shoot others. you see, I’m smart and I know how to maintain peace and I’m not like typical men when they only want their territory just like animals do. will you start peeing to mark where america is? its so stupid to be patriotic. I’m going to africa cause I feel proud to HELP people.
soldiers are cowards anyway. just think about how many innocent people they have bombed. for freedom? stupid cowards.
posted by cosmopolitan on 5-26-2008 at 8:31 am
Strange, here in NC we didn’t celebrate Memorial Day or Confederate Memorial Day(at least in my neck of the woods) Even my work didn’t give Memorial Day off until 1985.
posted by Paula on 5-26-2008 at 9:10 am
First thank you troops for all those past and present who paid the ultimate sacrifice by fivinf your lives to keep others safe. I want to personally apologize for the deaths of the soldiers in Iraq. We have an asshole running this country and when you get assholes like this that run the country these things happen. He will get his eventually. Our men should not be over there in Iraq dying. 9 11 had nothing to do with Iraq and I hope that Sadaam finds it in his heart to forgive me as an American for having him lynched because of the asshole that runs this country. I’m truly sorry. He will get his eventually and the two of you can fight each other when you are both burning in HELL. But anyway back to the troops especially those who died for a “noble” cause World Wars (we were attacked by the Japanese. Sorry for the Vietnam vets ( you were duped into a bad war to) and especially Iraq again sorry for what you are going thru to the troops who read this my heart goes out to your families because many of you won’t make it home. But hopefully when January 20, 2009 comes and this stupid ass mother fucker that you may call a “president” who cheated his way into office will get sent back to Crawford Texas and wait for the international police to pick his ass up on war crimes and if now when ever his time does come in say 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years Saddam and Bin Laden can meet him in hell and go at it one on one.
posted by dont worry on 5-26-2008 at 11:49 am
10 Things to Remember About Memorial Day | politikly.com…
\r\nMemorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend and a chance to get the years first sunburn….
posted by politikly.com | politics and world news on 5-26-2008 at 12:49 pm
@cosmopolitan - Please take your rant someplace else.
I am currently serving in the military stationed in Africa. We have a profound impact on the lives of people here everyday. We dig and repair fresh water wells, rebuild schools and public sanitation facilities. We provide medical and food aide to many communities. These activities do not make it into the day to day reporting of our nations media because it is not sensational, but I can tell you that it does change hundreds if not thousands of lives.
As many have said before me in this article take the opportunity to thank a veteran today, that simple token of appreciation counts for far more than most people realize.
Thank you to those who have fought before me, with me and who will defend the freedoms of those yet to come.
posted by Contemplative on 5-26-2008 at 1:21 pm
great information. I had no idea most of this stuff ever went into the making of the holiday.
posted by matt on 5-26-2008 at 1:31 pm
I am a young woman currently serving in the Air Force at Barksdale AFB LA. I just want to thank everyone that has served and paved the way for my generation. The military doesnt always get the thanks we deserve, but we still do our job every day, without complaint. If we dont sacrifice our freedoms, our time with our families, or even our lives in order to protect others; who else will step up? I doubt many of you would. Instead of fighting or bickering on this day of rememberance, please offer a few minutes of silence and reflection for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that you and i could be here today. Thanks you.
posted by J on 5-26-2008 at 2:47 pm
This one of my favorite posts in regards to Memorial Day. Great job. I have a post dedicated to the war dogs here.
posted by Sgt Mike Dowling on 5-26-2008 at 7:50 pm
1988 was 20 years ago, how are they on Rolling Thunder XXI already?
posted by johnny stone on 5-27-2008 at 5:24 am
Stick to counting on your fingers Johnny Stone…
posted by lynn on 5-27-2008 at 9:28 am
Our city is famous for having the longest running (continuous) Memorial Day Parade in the country. 140 years in a row! I live in Ironton, Ohio which is located in the southern most part of Ohio. We are very very proud of the service men and women who have served our country.
posted by Andrea on 5-27-2008 at 11:31 am
I, for one, enjoyed the subject; I am disappointed at the tone the comments section has taken, however. Such unintelligent, uneducated, drivel-filled rants may be typical on other sites, but I generally hope for more from Mental Floss readers.
posted by Megan on 5-27-2008 at 11:47 am
I think a lot of the people posting are missing the point. This is not my personal point of view, but A point of view that people don’t consider…
In America, patriotism is not REQUIRED. Faith in the military or our leaders is not REQUIRED. Respect for the President is not REQUIRED. Remembering the Veterans and the active duty personnel on Memorial Day is not REQUIRED. Intelligence is also not REQUIRED. Saying the pledge, saying it correctly, believing in “Under God” is also not REQUIRED.
Freedom may not be free…but those who serve in the military are not REQUIRED to do so…for now.
The only requirement of being in the USA (notice I didn’t say being a “citizen”) is paying taxes and a lot of people find their way around that too.
This can be such a heated topic…but I think the common theme that is being missed is that in the USA it is ok to have your opinion….you’re entitled to it. If you want to put flowers on a veterans grave and fly the flag have at it. If you’d rather drink beer and watch NASCAR, it’s your weekend too - go for it. No need to push your views onto others! :)
posted by Jamie on 5-27-2008 at 1:37 pm
Wow….some of you that left posts are taking what others have said WAY too personally! For example : “If you don’t agree with the war or are against the military you don’t deserve to leave a comment” as stated by FormerMarineSgt. Uh….sorry, but the last time I checked, this was the United States and in case you’ve forgotten, we do have something called freedom of speech. Just because you don’t agree with what someone has to say, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the right to say it.
I thought the article was very interesting. I think I learned more though from reading people’s comments i.e. how upset people get over reading a total stranger’s opinion on a website.
posted by Eli on 5-27-2008 at 2:09 pm