What Memorial Day Is Really About!

Memorial Day is very important.  When you realize, and understand, its meaning - there is no question that Memorial Day probably does not get it's just due.

It should mean a lot more than just a "day off".

Memorial Day is now a federal holiday, observed each year on the last Monday in May.  But, it began as something called Decoration Day.

Decoration Day began during the civil war among the recently freed American black slaves.  It was also a celebration of both black, and white, Union soldiers who fought for liberation and justice in the Civil War.

On that first Decoration Day - nearly ten thousand people, mostly freed slaves, gathered on May 1, to commemorate the dead.  Involved were 3,000 schoolchildren - that were newly enrolled in 'black only' schools, mutual aid societies, Union troops, black ministers, and white northern missionaries.  Most brought flowers to lay on the burial field.

Today, the sight is known as Hampton Park.

African Americans created what is now Memorial Day, in 1865, and it had a different meaning to them - than it does presently.

But I cannot think of anyone that deserves a tribute in their honor - more than our brothers and sisters that gave their lives - so that we could continue our American way of life.

I give thanks to them every night, as a matter of fact.