Decoration Day


Long before Memorial Day turned into parades and picnics to kick off the summer season there was a much more solemn origin.
Imagine a war where nearly every family in the nation had a son, father or husband who served or knew someone who lost a loved one.
The Civil War counted 625,000 men who died.  That's more casualties than both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam combined.  Put another way that was 2% of the population which would be about 6 million if such a devastating conflict was fought today with the current population.
Putting the loss for both sides in perspective it's easy to understand why families were looking for ways to remember, heal and honor the dead.
By the late 1860's many towns and cities began to hold spring time ceremonies.  They would gather to honor those who gave their lives and would decorate their graves with fresh flowers.  Prayers were often given.
It wasn't until 1966 that the federal government highlighted Waterloo (ironic name don't you think?) NY was recognized as the place that began the solemn observation and tradition.
By coincidence the first year the Waterloo community organizers chose the date May 30th fell on a Saturday. It was chosen so there was minimal impact on local businesses. Plus there was an ample supply of fresh flowers to place on the graves of the veterans.
What a lot of people don't realize is that the date was also chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of any particular battle.  What is amazing that over 150 years and several wars later that still remains to be true.
We as a nation gather together, with 3:00 p.m. local time the official time of remembrance of ALL our fallen soldiers.
In a sign of much needed unity on the first Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Ceremony.  5,000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were laid to rest there.
So next time you fire up the grill for your Memorial Day holiday gathering be sure to take the time to attend your local "Decoration Day" ceremonies to honor those who died so that we can be free.
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