In Honor Of Memorial Day

As we approach the holiday weekend I began to think about the history of “Memorial Day”.  I would like to share a few thoughts on the history of Memorial Day.

There are many stories to the actual beginnings of a Memorial Day. Several states lay claim to the actual beginning, but I am sure it began directly after the Civil War.  Women who wished to honor their sons, brothers and husbands who died did so by placing flowers on their graves.  It was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was first observed on May 30, 1868.  It took many years for it to become a national holiday and not one just observed by each state.

After World War I it was recognized as a away to honor all Americans who died in any war. Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971 (PL 90-360) to ensure a three-day weekend for Federal Holidays. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May.

In 1915 Morina Michael wrote a poem inspired by “In Flanders Fields” which was written to honor World War I dead.  As a result of her poem, she conceived the idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day to honor those who died serving the nation during war.  This developed into the “Buddy Poppy Program” in 1922, where artificial poppies were made by disabled Vets and sold to raise funds to help vets and their families.

Since the late 1950’s on the Thursday before Memorial Day 1,200 soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery.  They patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to make sure all flags remain standing.  In December of 2000 a National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed in the hopes of reminding all Americans what the day is for. This resolution asks that at 3pm local time for all Americans they voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of silence and respect for those who have died in the service of our nation.

As we approach another three-day weekend please remember this holiday is not just about barbecues, picnics and time away from our jobs. Please remember that while we share time with family and friends there are those whose loved ones are no longer here.  Take a moment and show respect for the men and women who have served and fallen in the service of our great nation.  These men and women are the HERO’S who defended our country and freedom never comes free.

Please remember as well, those who are now serving our country here and over seas.  Say a prayer for their safety and that they return home soon.

God Bless our country and all those who serve this nation. May you have a safe and blessed Memorial Day! 


Sharon Eifert
Associate Director of Student Services