LEST WE FORGET

FROM USS Forrestal (CV-59)

Memorial Day is a three day weekend, it is parties, it is picnics, it is barbeques, it is travel and the start of summer. But least we forget it is the day which in 1868 was declared by Union General John A. Logan as a day to decorate the graves of Union Civil War soldiers. At that time it was called Decoration Day and was observed on May 30th. It was/is a day to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their/our country. About 20 years after the first declaration of Decoration Day, the day started to become Memorial Day. Many people feel it is a day to honor all dead, but its true purpose is to honor our fallen soldiers. After World War I, it became the day to honor all the war dead not just the Civil War soldiers. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson officially declared Memorial Day a federal holiday and set the date as the last Monday in May. So please take a few minutes to pray and honor those who gave their life in service to their/our country. I also feel we should honor all those who have served their country as many have lost limbs, their spirit or given years of their lives in service. We definitely as we enjoy this weekend should pray for all those in harm’s way currently serving our country.