Remember Them

Decoration Day

On May 5, 1868, three years after the Civil War, the United States established Decoration Day as the day the country would adorn the graves of those who had died in the war.  According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the date was then moved to May 30 when flowers would be in bloom across the nation for this observance.  The birthplace of the term “Memorial Day” is debatable among various states, as many still claim the right.  Ceremonies were held across the country, businesses closed for the day and residents flew flags at half-staff.

Memorial Day

It wasn’t until after World War I the day expanded to honor those who perished in all American wars.  In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day as a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May.  And then in December 2000, The National Moment of Remembrance Act was passed.  Americans are asked to pause at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day for a moment of silence to honor and remember those who have sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.

Our son was asked to play the bagpipes at the local Memorial Day ceremony.  He led the colors into the memorial and was on his way around to one of the arches.

Our son is named after his Great, Great Grandfather who was a Piper, born in Markinch, Scotland in 1882.  During WWI, he was a member of the 11th Scottish Rifles where he was a stretcher bearer and carried messages in action.  During the Salonika campaign in April 1917, he climbed the parapet into No Man’s Land since he heard a cry for help from one of his fellow soldiers.  As he was assisting the medic in order to carry the solider back to the trenches, he was shot and killed.

This year’s event, coordinated by the local Veterans Memorial Committee and American Legion posts, was especially moving.  My son had played at this ceremony prior to the pandemic and it felt as though so much has passed since then.  Between the music and the incredible speeches made, this was a very worthy tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for this country.  Let’s always remember them.