Memorial Day Origins

In the United States, Memorial Day has become a day to remember those that have passed away. Many of us visit cemeteries and leave flowers for our departed loved ones, but Memorial Day's origins have become a bit obscured. "Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers." -PBS.org In the midst of the First World War, our nation was grieving the losses of so many men. "In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem: We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies." -usmemorialday.org Moina Michael started the American tradition of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day. She sold them to raise money for the families of the men who died in WWI and later the VFW would take up the cause, selling poppies made by disabled veterans.  No one really knows for sure how or when the tradition of honoring all of our departed loved ones on Memorial Day started, but modern observances often include picnics and parades, as well as laying a wreath or flower arraignment next to headstones. However you choose to observe Memorial Day, we here at The Celtic Ranch send our best wishes to you and yours. May it be a day of reflection and peace for everyone.