Memorial Day

Memorial Day originated as "Decoration Day," which involved decorating the graves of Civil War dead. This helps explain the timing. Flowers would be in bloom. 

John Alexander Logan, who fought in the Civil War, is the father of the holiday. His story is particularly notable when we remember his journey from racist (his father was once a slaveowner) to supporter of black suffrage.  

The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated 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, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

President Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address, uses the ancient method of mixing honoring the dead and teaching the living. It is for us to ensure that they did not die in vain. 

My sentiment has long been that the best way to honor those who died for our country is to promote peace. Let us work toward reducing the number of future dead people. 

Lincoln reminded us that we also should honor what they fought for. That is, when they fought for good things. We can remember German soldiers during WWII without honoring what they fought for. The same applies to Confederates. A total erasure of lines here is not quite ideal.  

The people who died were individuals with families and descendants. They are not just symbols to be honored or exploited. We should also remember them personally.  

I will also connect this a bit to Trump. His abuse of antiracism ("DEI") for his own ends cheapens those who fought and died to promote liberty and equality.  

Trump is overall a dishonor to their memory. Put aside his views that people who died for this country were suckers. He is now the commander-in-chief of the military. WTAF?

We celebrate holidays to honor things in today's world. So, even if we want to, we can not totally ignore Trump.

Overall, Memorial Day is not just the symbolic start of summer or a time for sales or days off. It honors the memory of people who gave their "last full measure" in defense of this country and its values. It is up to us the living to determine they did not die in vain.