(Formerly Known As Decoration Day)
was Declared to be a National Holiday in 1971
It is officially observed on the last Monday of May
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our places; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
in Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Fields.
Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day,the 1,200 soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlinton National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag emains standing.
And since 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of the approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Maryc's Heights. (This is known as the Luminaria Program)
Unfortunately, a good many Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day.
We should all try to remember what this day means. It is a day for us to remember all the Americans that gave their lives for us instead of it being used for commercial purposes.
It is not for me to say, but perhaps it is now time to also honor all the men and women who serve in our Fire Departments, Emergency Services and Law Enforcement that have lost their lives serving their country. They too put their lives on the line for us everyday of their lives.
Let us all say a Prayer this coming Memorial Day for all out follow Americans that have given their lives for us.
