Stock Memorial Day Historical Post (zzz...)

Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone in Denmark. I didn't do much celebrating on my own; barbeques and trips to the beach just don't have the same effect with weather like we've had over the past, well, since I've been here really. Historically, MDW signifies the beginning of the summer season, so perhaps things will soon cooperate here as well.

In modern times, Memorial Day honors those American soldiers who gave their lives during military service. Often lost, though, are its roots which show much less clarity about what is actually being observed on the day itself. It originated as 'Decoration Day' in 1868, when Posts of Union Veterans would literally decorate grave markers in the many cemeteries of those who fell during the Civil War. This celebration would later adapt a strong religious tone. Those who died in combat were linked to God, as they were fighting for a better United States; one that was closer to the Lord. These baptisms of blood later gave way to much more nationalistic sense of the holiday until it ultimately expanded to recognize soldiers lost in all conflicts following the Great War (World War I).

However, regional differences in beliefs held during the Civil War once again presented themselves when efforts were being made to remember those who were killed in action. There are those who claim that the first Memorial Day celebrations were actually Southern traditions. The first such documented event was held by black Americans in early May, 1865, with others springing up in the years to come before 'Decoration Day' was enacted. The divide between white and black observances also became an issue, as I am just reading about in a book called "Confederates in the Attic," by Tony Horwitz. In this book, Horwitz investigates some of the modern ways in which the South still clings to its Confederate heritage. Pertaining to the Memorial Day question, he writes that it is essentially celebrated by four different groups in four different ways for four different reasons: whites in the North, whites in the South, blacks in the North and blacks in the South. Whether it was remembering the dead, remembering the cause, remembering the result or just the War itself, all refer to the same events, yet each group has their own specifics as to why they honor who, or what, they are honoring.

Celebrations were often times more locally recognized in small towns and communities. Parades, picnics, cookouts and concerts soon became the norm and as those who lived during the days of the War Between the States gradually died off, the reasons for remembrance began to fade.

In the interest of not writing a thesis here, I'll move on to say that the name 'Memorial Day' was enacted as Federal law in 1967 and the tradition of the three-day-weekend came the following year, along with President's and Veteran's Day. Poppies purchased to benefit VFWs across the country are actually not a truly American tradition themselves. They are a throwback to Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae and his poem, 'In Flanders Fields,' written about the Second Battle of Ypres, fought on Belgian soil during World War I:

In Flanders fields, the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; 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...

I knew those lessons from student teaching would come in handy at some point. I could go on, but that would be too much like work. The point is, sometimes things get lost or shuffled over time and occasionally, it's nice to look back and rediscover them. After you've hopefully enjoyed a nice weekend with friends, loved ones and most importantly, good food, I hope that perhaps you took a moment to think about why you were able to do so.

Before heading off, I'd like to mention that I just caught up with Copenhagen correspondent, Olivia Nagle tonight, fresh off her tour of southern Europe. She's heading back to the States tomorrow and I wish her all the best in safe travels and offer thanks for the many travel tips she has offered so far. I also encourage her to think of those who will not have decent BBQ or hot wings for some time when she undoubtedly celebrates her homecoming in (delicious) style. Well, I'm hungry now. Maybe a snack before bed. Goodnight.