What is Memorial Day?



The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.  ~Thomas Campbell



Memorial Day is of course a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. Service Members who died while in military service. The origins of this day are very humble and little known. First enacted by formerly enslaved African-Americans to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War – it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who died in all wars.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season. The days are getting longer (Sunrise @ 5:48am Sunset @ 8:27pm here in Central Missouri); just under 15 hours of daylight as we approach the summer solstice. Plenty of time to enjoy summer activities; there are picnics, reunions, fishing, camping, hiking and the every popular bar-b-q while the sun is high. These are happy times to make memories.  

When family and friends gather together; this is a time of celebration. Whether there are just two or many more, there is a gathering. Whenever you are with family/friends you are making memories, these are priceless. Just remember to take pictures, so you can have a picture of old “Aunt Spicy”.

I remember my Daddy taking me to his family reunions. I know now he would take me so I would know his people. He wanted me to know that his people were my people. That was what my Father was trying to communicate. He showed me a place to belong; a belonging that grew in my heart. There is nothing finer that belonging to something, especially that which reflects warmth, goodness and kindness back at you. I have the gentle memory of a great aunt; sitting down to the piano. My great aunt worked those ivories like they were talking directly to her soul. Her son’s always there to sing and play instruments. We always begged them to play and they were happy to oblige with gospel and little bit of this-n-that.  

At my Mother’s reunions the memories are just as fond but a little different. Some kin would travel many miles and it was such a treat to see them. When I was a teen, these people were “celebrity like” in my eyes and heart. My Mother was a very conservative lady; I will always aspire to model her good, kind, gentle and loving heart. But I think she had some “colorful” kinfolk; that had since passed. All I can say is these folks worked hard, played hard, laughed, cry, and lived life to the fullest; or colorfully! So we would talk of these stories, sometimes working to separate fiction from fact, sometime not. The stories sure were fun.    

When you gather at a reunion; the food is the focus. Those banquet tables lined end to end with everything you would need to satisfy the mouth watering hunger that has seemed to come over you. It is palatable. I have a clear memory of who were the good cooks. At any gathering you know these Aunt's and your Mother and/or Grandmother has prepared her very best pie, cake or salad recipe. I am such a visual person, with that and a pronounced sense of smell; you could see me circling those tables before we said the blessing on the meal like an eagle looking for their prey. You can be sure you are going to be faced with caloric land mines; who is counting, you can pick that diet back up tomorrow. What should I eat; can not overeat; I will feel terrible if I eat too much! My sight and smell would war with my common sense. Oh heck; all those savory dishes look so good and the desserts are to die for, literally!

At these gatherings, it is the conversation that is the prize; how many tables can you get around to enjoy the company. Just do not make the classic mistake and sit with someone you see on a daily/monthly basis. If you are young; go sit with someone older. If you are older, seek out the young folk; they have a lot to share. My nieces and nephews are my great reward for having brothers and sisters; of course being a Mother and Grandmother is grand. Those little ones are the ones to be watched out for; now for me I have what we fondly call “Greats”; those are the next generation; our children’s children. Talk to them, not at them, but to their level. See what they like about this world. Make a memory for them!

My last memory I want to share is decorating graves with my Mother. My Father had long since passed; Mother was now alone again. It was a wonderful thing we did together the last years of her life. Her generation was very faithful about this; it was no longer about them being a soldier. It was now about carrying flowers to your loved ones graves. It is a wonderful feeling to go to your people’s final resting place; to know that location is an important memory. The next generation is going to ask; we all don’t MapQuest these locations; they are in our heads. When at the graveyard it gives me comfort to be there to take a broom removing all the grass clippings from the top of the tomb stone; and tidy up everything around the stone. Imagine my excitement to finding the secret of using WD40; making those bronze marker stones look new. Spray on and wipe off, it is marvelous. I have memories of seeing living family/friends in these graveyards, visiting along the way. A graveyard is not a macabre place; rather it is a place of history, reverence; to meditate; to visit with the living; talk to the dead. For some it is very spiritual. I highly recommend finding your people and walking through the cemetery.

Memorial Day is a day not to be wasted nor squandered. We owe much to the soldiers that have served and died or served and lived to enjoy the same freedoms we enjoy. Memorial Day is a day to test and reflect on some of those wonderful memories you may have. I think Memorial day is for remembering and making memories. I suggest you do, it is very good for the soul!


Grandma Spicy