Good Morning Gentle Readers,
Before the CONgressionally mandated, three-day Memorial Day Weekend that marks the beginning of summer, there was a holiday called Decoration Day. The intent of which was to honor the Civil War dead.
The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.—By Order of General John A. Logan
It is right that we honor our war dead. It is also right that we, as a people, reflect on the nature and purpose of our wars and conflicts. If for no other reason than the cold, brutal, reality that some will come home in flag draped coffins.
St Louis, Decoration Day, 1891
As Ever,
TWC
Bonus: Decoration Day Blues
Tip of the glass to Rick Henderson