Memorial Day - May 25

[JB_Iowa]

Since we've been on a bit of a patriotic/non-patriotic kick lately, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that Memorial Day is Monday, May 25  -- the earliest it can be, I think.  It seems like it is coming up quickly.

 

Although a great day for baseball, Memorial Day, known first as Decoration Day, originated after the Civil War as a way to honor the soldiers of both sides.  My area of Iowa was not settled until 1870 -- a lot of the homesteaders were Civil War Vets.  They soon established a post of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) and began decorating the graves of their comrades who had passed away.  They also erected a Civil War monument in our local cemetery.

 

When the veterans of WW1 came home and formed an American Legion post, they took over the task of decorating the graves of deceased veterans and continue with that responsibility to the present time.

 

Today the Legion and its volunteers erect crosses and flags on each veterans grave, poppies are placed on the crosses by the Legion Auxliiary and an Avenue of Flags is erected.

 

All of this takes a lot of man/woman/children power and, as with many small towns, we simply aren't gaining a lot of "new" veterans.

 

It has become a bit more of a community affair with volunteers providing the work.

 

I wanted to write this to encourage any of you with  time over Memorial Day weekend to contact your local American Legion or VFW post (or your city cemetery administrator) to see if they need help with their Memorial Day activities.  I'm sure most would be grateful for the help -- especially in small towns.

 

It's an easy way to give back and say "Thanks".

[biggentleben]

Last year, I was honored to provide four songs for the local Memorial Day program.  Very little in my life has made me feel as good as the gratitude and respect from men and women who served our country.