Memorial Day,
originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's
service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying
claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups
in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel
Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South
who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead". While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared
the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove
conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those
towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's
tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing
movement that culminated in General Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important
who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not
about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
Words from a Soldier:
I took a job knowing I would never get rich. I've missed out on many holidays and spent them
working. I may have to lay down my life or take one. My life expectancy is shorter
than
yours because of the stress. But yet you think I'm overpaid & and you won't pay
me
because you can't work together to keep our government running but yet you will pay
yourself??
Post if you support our MILITARY
Personal Note:
We as soldiers truly
appreciate all of the help and support you have given us being in the middle east. Some, of
you may even have Support Your Troops yellow ribbons on your vehicles. Once again, We
thank you. The support you give us while in the sandbox as we have come to call it is
awesome. But, the support we truly need is when we return home to our country. Those
times can be the toughest for us all and we need you more than ever at those points. Please,
keep this is mind as the ones of us that are so fortunate to return home actually do come
home on foot and not in a casket.
On behalf of the entire United States Military:
Thank You
all very much for everything!!!