When I was growing up, this was the weekend old veterans would gather downtown, and they and perhaps their wives or the widows of fallen American Heroes, would pin an artificial Red Poppy on your lapel for a two-cent donation.
Of course, everyone gave them a nickel or dime rather than two cents, but if you didn't have any change, they'd still give you a pretty little poppy. We'd watch a parade that typically would end up at the local cemetery, where there would be flag ceremonies and observances in remembrances of the fallen soldiers who had given everything in times of war.
Even before the end of the Civil War, widows started decorating the graves of soldiers who had died in battle. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed May 30 of that same year to be "Decoration Day."
The day would remember those who had died in service by placing flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. A few years later, one by one the states began recognizing the holiday, until finally by 1890, it was generally celebrated around the country on the last Monday of May. They called it "Memorial Day."
Today, the observance of Memorial Day, as I remembered as a child, gave way to the opening weekend of summer. This is when most Americans take their first vacation with the kids, have that first summer cookout or head to the ballpark for a tournament.
At many of our nation's cemeteries, with perhaps the exception of our hallowed National Cemeteries, the graves of fallen soldiers are increasingly ignored and, in some cases, neglected.
As a Boy Scout, I recall our Troop would take Memorial Day very seriously, contributing countless hours placing small flags on the graves of soldiers in the local cemetery. Each one had to be spaced just right to meet flag etiquette.
Unfortunately, today, proper flag etiquette has become a thing of the past.
While smaller communities still continue the traditional Memorial Day observances, too many places around the country simply view Memorial Day as just another thing of the past—a part of American history they wish would fade faster.
But for those who have lost family members in the military, this holiday will forever be a day of remembrance. It is cherished as a time honored tradition where a Red Poppy is pinned to a family member's lapel as they place a small American Flag next to a grave marker of their loved one. It is a time when they kneel to honor those who gave their full measure of devotion in service to our Nation.
For me, I will take this weekend to remember our lost and wounded warriors, as well as our active members of the Armed Forces, Reserves and Veterans. For them and their families, that is what Memorial Day is all about.
Your service is appreciated and does not go unnoticed. I stand to honor you, and I am grateful for your sacrifices today—and forever more.