Memorial Day

My daughter asked me about the meaning of Memorial Day.  A tradition our family has is taking flowers to the cemetery of those we love; however, those we love did not serve in the military.

Memorial Day is in honor of those in service presently, past and deceased.  It was first celebrated on May 5, 1868 for Union soldiers who had died in battle.  Throughout the years, the tradition gained popularity; however, it was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The holidays included Washington's Birthday, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.

My family will continue our special tradition; however, my daughter's question was a great reminder of our "3-day weekend" and what it really means.

R.I.P.

Sadness abounds in my heart. As I ponder the inevitability of death, I am overwhelmed with emotions ranging from abandonment to confusion to peace. My Auntie Ruth had a full life, she was in her early 90s and was married to a wonderful man, had loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My grandmother’s best friend will be missed by many; family and friends alike.


Death is a familiar word these days. My office has had sadness after sadness: a co-worker’s friend’s husband, a co-worker’s husband, a co-worker’s cousin and now my great aunt. The horror of these deaths is that they have all been within the span of six weeks.

As a Christian, I know that there is life after death. I do not know the spiritual walk of any of those that have recently passed away. My prayer is that they all knew the Lord and believed in Him.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4