Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a American federal holiday to remember and honor those men and women who have been killed while serving in the United States armed forces. It is often confused with Veterans Day, the holiday in November that honors the service of all current and former members of the military services. Memorial Day specifically honors those who have fallen in uniform.
Originally celebrated on May 30 of each year, Memorial Day is now observed on the last Monday in May - this year it was observed on May 26. The change in date came about in the early 1970's as part of the government's attempt to create three-day weekends. While many veterans groups have sought to have the original date restored, the Memorial Day weekend has become ingrained in most Americans' minds as the start of the summer season, which lasts until Labor Day, another Monday holiday in early September.
The veterans groups believe that creating a three day holiday weekend cheapens the purpose of the day. Rather than a day of reflection and remembrance to fallen comrades, they believe it has turned into a celebration of summer vacations and commercial sales events. One need only to look at the newspaper or watch television in the days leading to the holiday weekend to realize how many sales are in progress. Appliances, cars, clothing - you name it, and it is being offered as part of a Memorial Day sales event.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, a reference to the practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers during and after the Civil War. There were plenty of graves to decorate - as many as 625,000 Americans on both sides died in that conflict. It remains by far the bloodiest conflict in American history. In contrast, the second costliest in terms of human life is World War II in which a little over 400,000 American troops were killed. When you consider the number compared to the population at the time of the conflict, the numbers are even more telling. In the Civil War, almost two percent of the population was killed in the fighting; in World War II, it was just over three tenths of one percent.
Including the Revolutionary War, over 1.3 million Americans have died while serving their country in time of war. Here are the 10 bloodiest conflicts:
The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity. The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago, "Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men."
Since our club is international and has members in various other countries, here is a quick look at how some of these countries honor their troops who have died in military service.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom observes Remembrance Sunday with ceremonies across the country on the Sunday nearest to November 11, the day Germany signed the armistice ending World War I hostilities. Today, the day memorializes fallen British soldiers in all conflicts since the Great War. On November 11 at 11 a.m.—the time of the signing of the armistice—the UK holds a two-minute silence.
South Korea
South Koreans observe Memorial Day on June 6, the same month that the Korean War began, to honor servicemen and civilians who have died for their country. The nation holds a one-minute silence at 10 a.m.
France
Armistice Day in France is solemnly observed on November 11 with ceremonies, special church services and poppy adornments. In recent years, the holiday has come to recognize all of the country’s war dead in addition to the 1.4 million people killed in the First World War.
New Zealand and Australia
Anzac Day on April 25 commemorates New Zealand and Australia’s servicemen and women who have died. The day, which stands for “Australian and New Zealand Army Corps,” falls on the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, the first major military action by both forces in the First World War.
Turkey
Turkey observes Martyrs’ Day on March 18, the anniversary of the victory of the Ottomans against the Allies during the Gallipoli Campaign. The day is used today to commemorate Turks who have died for the country.
Italy
Italy observes National Unity and Armed Forces Day on November 4, the date Austria-Hungary surrendered to the Italians in 1918. The day is accompanied by ceremonies commemorating members of the armed forces killed in action.
Canada
Remembrance Day in Canada, a national holiday observed on November 11, commemorates Canada’s servicemen and women. At 11 a.m., the country holds a two minute silence in memory of those who perished.
A tribute to the men and women who fearlessly defend the freedoms we all enjoy. God bless them.