Memorial Day began as "Decoration Day" when southerners decorated the graves and honored those that had fallen in the war against Lincoln. That was well before the GAR got the idea and extended it north.
It is amazing how as early as 1868 it was possible to honor soldiers from both sides of the Civil War. Today, the leftists who never served a day in uniform relish in erasing the CSA from history. I personally believe that erasing the CSA is only a preliminary step in their master plan to erase the USA.
My late wife was Canadian and I lived and practiced in Canada for twelve years....
The Canadians didn't quite 'get' Memorial day, and would wonder why my (US) flag was hanging out..I'd tell them.
But they certainly do 'Remembrance' day well. Every town in Ontario it seems has a cenotaph - a war memorial to those who died in WWI, originally, then WWII and Korea...and they generally will have a presentation of a wreath by the local Canadian Legion and anyone else who would care to, as well as the loca; members of the military reserves (in uniform, and in formation), retired members (almost always in slacks and blazer, poppy red tie and medals). School kids spend the day studying the wars, veterans are asked to speak, banks and most stores and restaurants are closed until noon.
It was my privilege, and honor, to lay wreaths for several years in honor of the fallen from the 8th and 15th US Army Air Forces, the 9th Air Force, etc. The only down side: Before I'd wear my uniform, I would shave my beard.
Any chance to connect me via email with the writer- I am also from Peoria and my folks came over at about the same time.....grandfather served with Black Jack in in AEF in WWI , father US Navy pilot in WW II....Richard
I shaved this weekend, and donned by choker Whites to go to the local Memorial Day ceremony. It was held in a college gymnasium as the park was rained out. The names of local men and women who served and passed away in the last year were read, and both the local American Legion Post Commander and the guest of honor gave speeches on the purpose and origin of the day. I remember boyhood parades in a suburb, where the old men running the VFW and Legion would march with the Scouts to a city party in commemoration.
Wonderful story and a better tribute to a group of long overlooked 1812 veterans and citizens. Halifax gets the significance of Memorial Day. Wish more Americans would take a few moments to understand and honor those who have given all.
I have many friends, mostly former (merchant) shipmates, in Atlantic Canada. Visited many times and am always impressed by the reverence the Canadians pay to their lost ones.
Conversely, I’m unable to buy and wear a Buddy Poppy anymore. Tried many times online. Can’t find them. If I ever do again, I’ll keep it for the following year(s).
Memorial Day began as "Decoration Day" when southerners decorated the graves and honored those that had fallen in the war against Lincoln. That was well before the GAR got the idea and extended it north.
Well said. I just wanted to share something in honor as well. Remembering The Men of The Vietnam War https://tinyurl.com/3eff5hyc
It is amazing how as early as 1868 it was possible to honor soldiers from both sides of the Civil War. Today, the leftists who never served a day in uniform relish in erasing the CSA from history. I personally believe that erasing the CSA is only a preliminary step in their master plan to erase the USA.
Great!! I served as a PEP officer in Halifax (CFMWS) 1973-75. Wonderful memories!!
War of 1812:
-US won at sea
-Canada won on land
Battle of New Orleans unnecessary as Treaty of Ghent ended war on Dec 24 .... but there was no internet....
D. Turner
descendent of both sides in both Revolutionary War (really a civil war) and War of 1812 and dual citizen.
And big fan of CDR S.
My late wife was Canadian and I lived and practiced in Canada for twelve years....
The Canadians didn't quite 'get' Memorial day, and would wonder why my (US) flag was hanging out..I'd tell them.
But they certainly do 'Remembrance' day well. Every town in Ontario it seems has a cenotaph - a war memorial to those who died in WWI, originally, then WWII and Korea...and they generally will have a presentation of a wreath by the local Canadian Legion and anyone else who would care to, as well as the loca; members of the military reserves (in uniform, and in formation), retired members (almost always in slacks and blazer, poppy red tie and medals). School kids spend the day studying the wars, veterans are asked to speak, banks and most stores and restaurants are closed until noon.
It was my privilege, and honor, to lay wreaths for several years in honor of the fallen from the 8th and 15th US Army Air Forces, the 9th Air Force, etc. The only down side: Before I'd wear my uniform, I would shave my beard.
No discounted mattresses seen.
Any chance to connect me via email with the writer- I am also from Peoria and my folks came over at about the same time.....grandfather served with Black Jack in in AEF in WWI , father US Navy pilot in WW II....Richard
Thank you.
I shaved this weekend, and donned by choker Whites to go to the local Memorial Day ceremony. It was held in a college gymnasium as the park was rained out. The names of local men and women who served and passed away in the last year were read, and both the local American Legion Post Commander and the guest of honor gave speeches on the purpose and origin of the day. I remember boyhood parades in a suburb, where the old men running the VFW and Legion would march with the Scouts to a city party in commemoration.
...Absent Friends...
and, all their fallen predecessors
Wonderful story and a better tribute to a group of long overlooked 1812 veterans and citizens. Halifax gets the significance of Memorial Day. Wish more Americans would take a few moments to understand and honor those who have given all.
I have many friends, mostly former (merchant) shipmates, in Atlantic Canada. Visited many times and am always impressed by the reverence the Canadians pay to their lost ones.
Conversely, I’m unable to buy and wear a Buddy Poppy anymore. Tried many times online. Can’t find them. If I ever do again, I’ll keep it for the following year(s).
Shame on us. Bless them all.
We are thankful such men lived.