|
The Importance of Memorial Day
CONGRESSMAN JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. E-NEWSLETTER MAY 27, 2005
America's first Memorial Day celebration not only celebrated its fallen heroes, it helped rebuild our Nation.
The United States has experienced many tragic and strenuous times during its 229 year history. However, the Civil War, those four years when Americans killed Americans by the thousands, remains its darkest hour.
When the War ended in April of 1865, our Nation was no longer fighting amongst itself, but it was far from healed. Both the North and the South were still bitter from the conflict; much of our infrastructure was severely damaged, and the whole Country was mourning the 620,000 soldiers who lost their lives.
The next spring, towns all over the Country began holding decoration services for their Civil War dead. One of the first Decoration Days was held in Columbus, Mississippi, in April of 1866 when a group of women decorated the graves of the Confederate soldiers who lost their lives at the Battle of Shiloh. After seeing that the graves of the nearby Union soldiers were bare, the ladies placed flowers by their headstones as well.
On May 5, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic established May 30 as Decoration Day to honor the thousands of Americans who lost their lives in the Civil War. Historians generally believe that the date was chosen because flowers all over the Country would be in bloom at that time.
The first major observance was held at Arlington Cemetery. While then-General Ulysses Grant presided over the ceremonies, children from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home placed flowers on both Union and Confederate graves.
By 1900, Decoration Day services were being held on May 30 all over the Country. State legislatures passed laws commemorating the day, and the Army and Navy observed it as well.
After World War I, the day was expanded to honor the soldiers who served and died in all U.S. wars. In 1971, Congress passed legislation which declared the last Monday in May as Memorial Day and made it a national holiday.
More than 1.1 million Americans have died defending our Nation's freedom here and abroad. Memorial Day has served as a great way to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country.
Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked very hard to meet the needs of those who have laid their lives on the line for America. Veterans have given more than most Americans will ever be called upon to give for their Country, and they deserve our respect and assistance.
I was pleased that my staff and I were recently able to secure $10.6 million for the construction of East Tennessee's first veterans nursing home. This is a project that we worked on for many years. Ground was broken in January on this 140-bed, 73,500 square foot facility, and it is scheduled to be completed next year.
Seeing other East Tennesseans pay respect to our Nation's veterans has been extremely rewarding as well. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to present the Bronze Star to the late Athal Skeen for valiant service in France during World War II. Mr. Skeen did not even know he had been awarded this honor until a granddaughter discovered it while surfing the Internet. Close to 150 friends and family members came to Lincoln Park Baptist Church in Knoxville to see Mr. Skeen receive this well-deserved honor.
While the mood of America has changed since the first Memorial Day, I am happy to see that the respect and appreciation for those who have fought for our Nation's freedom remains strong. |
