Observing holidays as actual days of remembrance or reflection was never anything that we did growing up. Holidays were seen as a day off for spending time with family. But is there a deeper meaning for the holidays that we have? Since I didn't really know why I was granted a day off from my day job yesterday, I thought that I would do just a bit of research....
"Memorial Day (May 30), or Decoration Day, began in 1868 when members of the Grand Army of the Republic heeded the request of their commander, General John A. Logan, to decorate the graves of their fallen compatriots. It has since become the day on which the United States honors the dead of all its wars and is observed as a legal holiday in most states. National services are held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia. In 2000 President Bill Clinton asked the nation to endorse a humanitarian organization's addition of a moment of silence to the holiday, designating 3 P.M. local time for a minute of quiet reflection on the meaning of America's war dead." (Taken from http://www.answers.com/topic/memorial-day)
Living in Augusta, GA, near Fort Gordon, we often see soldiers and members of the military out and around. I work with wives of soldiers at my real job. Although I've never said "thank you," I do realize and greatly appreciate the sacrifice that they and their families make for me. I learned last week that my friend's husband will be leaving for Iraq soon. He will be leaving his wife and two children to serve for his country. Thank you to all who see it as his or her duty to serve our country.
May we all pray and take a moment of silence everyday to remember those who make sacrifices for us. May God bless you.
♥Bows
