More than the start of summer

Memorial Day weekend is seen by many as the unofficial start of summer. It’s the start of the grilling season, the start of trips to the lake, the start of gardening season and the start of summer fun.

That’s how many people see the Memorial Day holiday, and while there’s nothing wrong with those things, it is important to remember the real reason for Memorial Day.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. it originated following the Civl War. Gen. John Logan proclaimed, in General Order 11, that “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

Originally considered a northern holiday, southern states began to observe the holiday after World War I when it was changed to honoring Americans who died fighting in any way, not just the Civil War.

In addition to honoring those who died while in service to the country, we now honor all deceased veterans. In local observances, the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard visits a number of local cemeteries and reads a list of those veterans who are buried there. In recent years, the list of names have swelled with the passing of World War II veterans, Korean War veterans and Vietnam War veterans who returned home and went on to contribute to the community. The sheer number of names on this list helps us to remember and be grateful that so many people have answered the call and served the nation in times of need, helping to preserve our freedoms.

They are the reason we are able to celebrate the beginning of summer. For that reason, we must honor and celebrate them.

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