In honor of Memorial Day, I want to give a little history. I stand with you and honor your loved ones who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was set aside to remember and honor those military veterans that gave their lives for our country, those that gave everything to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

The first official proclamation for a Memorial Day was made by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, on May 5, 1868. The first official observance was on May 30 of that year. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington national Cemetery. Here is the “General Order No. 11” that General Logan wrote:

 “. . . We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders.

Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds.

Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners . . .

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time;

Let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor;

Let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan. . .”

Today, Memorial Day has transformed into a day to honor and remember all those who have died. People decorate the graves of their loved ones and visit the cemetery in their honor. There is nothing wrong with that but let us not forget the reason for this day of remembrance! Help us to not pass by the grave of a soldier without proper decoration! This is what the holiday is all about. It is more than hot dogs, hamburgers and apple pie. More than ball games, get-togethers and visits to the lake. These are all good time spent with family and friends, nothing wrong with that either!

But can we take time to pause this Monday and remember?

December, 2000, Congress passed The National Moment of Remembrance Act, P.L. 106-579. This was to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity”. Congress wanted our heroes to not be forgotten so on Memorial Day, no matter where you are, or what you are doing, could you pause at 3 p.m. to “…voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to “Taps”. 

Memorial Day has also evolved into a day to honor those that ARE serving. So, yes, I know Veterans Day is set aside for that, but I don’t have a problem with honoring our veterans ANY TIME. Two times per year is not enough! We can “remember” all that they have given when they committed to protecting our great country.

Last year I honored my grandfather, James L. McCammon, for his service, and yet, he did not die in battle. I personally do not know anyone who has and have chosen instead to honor someone I know who served in Iraq.

Today I am sharing a special picture with you of my nephew, Justin Turner.  Justin served four years of active duty in the Army and one tour in Iraq.  He now serves as a combat medic in the National Guard while pursuing a career in nursing. Justin and my niece, Megan, also serve as youth pastors in their church in Ohio.

Thank you, Justin, for giving, for serving and for continuing to serve our great country. We appreciate you and the thousands of others like you who sacrifice every day for our freedoms. We are forever in your debt!

This picture below, of Megan and Justin, is just the epitome of the way we feel on Memorial Day. We honor our flag, our country, and those who gave EVERYTHING. We thank you.

We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As TAPS began to play.
The Chaplain led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here ‘neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you’ve given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore.

C.W. Johnson

Enjoy a wonderful Memorial Day holiday with your family and friends!

May God continue to bless America.

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