Memorial Day is more than a three-day party weekend

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two-dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day.

It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings. Every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the dead in the 1860s tapped into the general need to honor our dead. Each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in the first official proclamation in 1868. This movement was fueled by the Civil War’s tremendous toll and the toll of the wars that gave our great nation freedom and independence. It’s about honoring the dead.

It is not important which town was first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation, it is about coming together to honor those who gave it their all.

New York was the first state to officially recognize Memorial Day, but the south refused to recognize the day until after World War I, when the holiday was changed to honor all Americans who died fighting in any war.

Memorial Day is certainly not about another three-day weekend for partying and seeing who can eat and drink the most. Unfortunately that is what it is becoming. As the numbers for my generation dwindle it frightens me to think of who will be left to honor the dead and see to it that the damages caused by the vandals are repaired. Unfortunately it seems like the number of people who desecrate our cemeteries is increasing.

Gerald W. Ray, Spokane