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Posted May 27, 2012
MEMORIAL DAY 2012
On May 5, 1868, General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed this day to observe placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Now, the holiday is usually celebrated on the last Monday of May.
When I was young, my family called this day Memorial Day -- a day to remember and honor those who had not only served in wars, but those who had passed before us.
Graves were tidied. Broken tree limbs were carried off and weeds were plucked from the earth while children played and waited for dinner on the ground beneath a spreading oak. Along with stories about the past and those who'd lived it, I could count on numerous fried chicken legs with potato salad and plenty of chocolate cake and sweet iced tea to wash it all down.
This Memorial Day, let's continue to treasure in our hearts the memories of those who have passed before us and those who have sacrificed their lives to keep our nation free.
And while remembering, let's write those stories down so our children and grandchildren will never forget the sacrifices that were made.
Comments anyone?
If you would like to comment or have questions about this article, email me vmoss@livingwaterfiction.com
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