Memorial Day started as “Decoration Day” in the days following the Civil War in 1865 and was founded by General John Logan during the Mexican American War. Logan was a member of the US House of Representatives when the war started in 1861. His efforts to stay neutral did not prevail and he joined the union serving in the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. By 1862, he resigned from Congress to accept a promotion to brigadier general. He went on to an illustrious military career serving in many well-known battles like Vicksburg and serving under great military leaders such as Ulysses S Grant. Logan saw firsthand the Civil War carnage and felt those who died in the war should have their holiday. Logan’s story is an interesting one. I could not do him justice here, but you can read his full story on grunge.com.
In 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. It became a national holiday in 1971 and is observed on the last Monday in May. During World War I the United States found itself in another major conflict, and the day evolved to commemorate American military personnel who were killed in all wars. Today this includes World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many American veterans have lost their lives over many years to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy today.
The tremendous loss of the Civil War marked the beginning of the national cemetery. A national cemetery is generally a military cemetery containing the graves of U.S. military personnel, veterans and their spouses, but not exclusively so. The cemetery near us and well known is Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue in Arlington, Virginia.
The National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3:00 on Memorial Day. We encourage all friends and family members to take this time to reflect on the sacrifices of so many who gave us so much.
Curtis A. Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars post and auxiliary will hold a memorial service on May 30th at 11:00 on the grounds of the courthouse.
Today we would like to pay honor to the following World War II Purple Heart veterans:
Second Lieutenant Clyde Henry Saylor, Junior (photo not available)
Army Air Corp – February 1, 1943 – October 3, 1944
Medals: Saylor won the Air Medal and three oak leaf clusters and was awarded the purple heart posthumously.
We thank the Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society for the pictures and military information provided for these three Purple Heart heroes. We honor you today for making the ultimate sacrifice to the United States of America. Tears fell as I wrote about them and the freedom all of us have today because of young men like these.
ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY
POEM by Emily Toma
Remember those who served before.
Remember those who are no more.
Remember those who serve today.
Remember them as we eat and play.
Remember our protectors-
Who are not home today.
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