Submitted by Charles Teter
Clinton Hedrick
American Legion Post #183
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three-day weekend for federal holidays).
Here is an excerpt from the poem “Final Roll Call” by Carroll Michaud that speaks eloquently to this important day in our national life:
Each Memorial Day we recall our fallen comrade names,
And attest that their sacrifices were not in vain;
For this lasting legacy they gave to all generations;
“It’s honorable to respect our flag and to defend our great nation.”
So close ranks aging warriors, for our ranks are thinning.
We must keep on fighting and keep on winning.
With pride and honor we’ll march and stand tall,
And we’ll proudly salute “Old Glory”
‘til we too make our final roll call.
Wreaths will be placed on the graves of fallen warriors in cemeteries across this land; parades will fill the streets of towns and cities; ceremonies and speeches will be observed and heard. And faithful people will turn aside from the “holiday” to observe a “holy day” of prayer for those who have given their lives in the service of this nation and the cause of freedom. Wherever you are, keep a moment of remembrance for our fallen comrades.
