Since Memorial Day is an American holiday, I thought that I would write a little about it for my Canadian readers.
It was General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, who officially proclaimed Memorial Day on May 5th, 1868. Flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. After WWI, Memorial Day was expanded to include fallen soldiers from all American wars. These days, it also includes remembering any loved one who has died.
The cemetery at the end of our street is so beautiful this time of year, and also very busy. We've had to move our leisurely bike rides through the park like setting to the streets of our neighbourhood for fear of being run over. I took some pictures so you could see all the pretty flowers and momentos that people have left at the gravesites of loved ones. It's important to take a moment and remember the people who are no longer here with us and think about the influences they have had on our lives. It brings those loved ones back to life in our hearts and minds. In that way, it keeps them alive forever.
2 comments:
Thanks for the little lesson on Memorial Day. I didn't know some of that. Do they do anything similar in Canada? We went to the cemetery today to say "Hello" to Benjamin as well and loved to see all the flowers there.
We don't have a day like Memorial Day in Canada. We have Rememberance Day (called Veterans' Day in the States), but no other holiday or observance for those who have passed away. It's too bad. It's nice to have a special time set aside to remembrt those who have left us.
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