Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is rooted back to the post-Civil War era when our nation was deeply divided. In an article written by Dave Thomas Austin, an American Statesman, chronicling the history of Memorial Day, he wrote: “In 1868 the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, General John Logan, issued General Order No. 11. He called it Decoration Day, and thousands turned out to honor the dead at Arlington National Cemetery. Future president General James Garfield spoke eloquently. By 1890, all the Northern States celebrated Decoration Day. In Texas, however, Confederate Heroes Day was established in 1931 and still falls on January 19th each year. It took the horror of WWI to change the nature of Decoration Day. In 1971 Congress passed the National Holiday Act, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.”
Memorial Day, now a federal holiday, is set aside to remember and honor those who died while serving in the armed forces of the United States. On Monday, May 29th, 2017 Sun Coast encourages every American to take a knee in remembrance of our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for our many freedoms. Washington State Congressman Doc Hastings (served 1995-2015) wrote, “Memorial Day remains one of America’s most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed – it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.”
God Bless those brave men and women in our military, who against grave odds, put it all on the line for every parent, every child, every sister and brother, every friend and neighbor: all who love America, and all who have always yearned to be free.
“It’s foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.” – General George S. Patton
