A Memorial Day message
To the editor:
Memorial Day, 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, was first observed on May 30, 1868, by placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Traditional observance of Memorial Day, originally known as Rememberance Day, increasingly diminished over the years when Congress made the day into a three day weekend when they enacted the National Holiday Act of 1971.
Many Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day, getting caught up in sports events, family get-a-ways, or backyard barbeques. In its 2002 Memorial Day address, the VFW leadership stated, “Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.”
As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I am proud to be a citizen of Aroostook County where communities still observe Memorial Day with parades and events to remember and honor the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.
Let’s not forget that freedom is not free. I wish to thank every man and woman who have served our country in the past and is serving our country today. Thank you, and God bless.
Easton
