Giving Meaning to Memorial Day

The roots of Memorial Day reach back to the Civil War.  Official credit goes to General John A. Logan, leader of the Union veterans’ group, the Grand Army of the Republic.  Apparently inspired by several uncoordinated commemorative events during and immediately after war, in 1868 Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance on May 30 each year.

“Decoration Day” was the original name Logan applied to the celebration, so designated since the intent was to strew flowers, or otherwise to “decorate” the graves of those who died in defense of their country during the “late rebellion.”  By 1890 virtually every state had a day of remembrance, although Southern states celebrated on a variety of different days.  “Memorial Day” did not become the more common name until after World War I, and it was not until 1967 that federal law officially recognized that appellation. 

Both NC and SC recognize the national holiday on the last Monday in May as well as Confederate Memorial Day on May 10, the day General Stonewall Jackson died. 

In 1968 the US Congress passed legislation that to some extent has undermined the purpose of several holidays, including Memorial Day. Under the Uniform Holidays Act, effective in 1971, only four holidays maintained their connection to a specific date:  New Year’s, Independence Day, Veterans’ Day and Christmas.  Most holidays now are celebrated on Mondays, facilitating three-day weekends that encourage tourism but sometimes blur the intent of the holiday. 

Memorial Day deserves to have retained its special status since it commemorates the ultimate sacrifice an individual can make for his or her country and fellow citizens. Perhaps a bit more solemn approach might encourage thoughtful consideration of how we view war and how our persistent conflicts around the world impact those who serve in our military.

Most of the dead we honor on Memorial Day died during a time when the military draft was in effect, but conscription ended in 1973 which means the majority of Americans living today never have had an obligation to serve in the armed forces.  The result is we sometimes appear to be rather cavalier about war since so few of us are affected directly.

Those who serve in our volunteer military today continue to discharge their duties and responsibilities with honor and patriotic commitment.  The value of their sacrifices is no less than that of earlier armed forces personnel, so they deserve our appreciation as well as our concern for how they are deployed.  Just because they are volunteers does not mean they should be utilized recklessly.  

If we wish to show proper respect for the men and women who have given their lives for this country and for those you continue to risk their lives in the service of the United States, we might start by insisting our politicians tone down the partisan divisiveness that frustrates the resolution of many significant issues related to our country’s international relations.  Political rhetoric that demonizes religious faiths or ethnic groups does not enhance the security of US armed forces attempting to stabilize already deeply divided countries or regions.  

Nor is it helpful to pursue policies and practices that demean and deny basic human rights to those with whom the United States may have quarrels.  Guantanamo should have been closed long ago.  If there are those who should be imprisoned, try them in US courts and sentence them in accordance with the law to serve in US prisons.

It would also be helpful if the commercialization of Memorial Day could be diminished.  Thanksgiving and Christmas have been hijacked.  Can we not preserve some space safe from greed?

Memorial Day is a time to reflect, not on the price of some trinket, but on the value of patriotism.

Patriotism is vital for a nation’s survival, but it is not merely a symbol.  Patriotism is a commitment to the ideals on which the country is based:  equal justice and equal opportunity.

Exploiting patriotism for commercial or political benefit should earn disapprobation.  Respect for the country is one thing.  Using your country for personal gain is something very different and potentially harmful.

Neither should patriotism be assumed.  It is an attitude and a virtue to be cultivated.

In the late 1960s when this country was torn asunder by the Vietnam War, I was a young political science instructor with highly opinionated students on both sides of the issue.  I did not attempt to dictate to either group, but instead set up debates where the two sides could share their views.  They did not always find common ground, but they did learn to respect their differences and avoided disruptions.  

If we could get back to that status in our current national debate, it would make for a better America and be a fitting memorial for those who have suffered to protect our freedoms.