As we approach Memorial Day, our warm thoughts may go down memory lane and remember many of the patriotic holidays of past years that have brought joy into our lives. For many, Memorial day is the day of vacation, a time to travel, and perhaps spend time with family and friends, it is also a time to appreciate family and decorate the graves of our loved ones. For many years, this annual date was known as Decoration Day. It was early in May of 1868 that General John A. Logan, then the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially designated the 30th of May, as a day for decorating the graves of the comrades who died in defense of their country. Decoration Day then acquired its present, and more symbolical meaning of Memorial Day. 

Have you ever wondered how Memorial Day began? It was Mrs. Mary Cotton Redpath who noticed many uncapped soldier graves in Charleston, South Carolina, and appealed to her friends to remedy this situation. It was on May 30, 1865 that scores of interested persons marked these neglected graves and decorated them with myrtle, yellow roses, and other dainty blossoms. 

Today, on Memorial Day, millions of American people visit the cemeteries throughout the land and decorate the graves of their noble dead, who have fought and died to defend the nation they left. This day is also observed by Europeans who gave honor to the thousands of Americans who live buried in the soil far from their homeland.

As we observe from Memorial Day in 1993, may it be a day of reflection, we look back so that we can better look ahead. When we recall the sacrifices of our loved ones in time of war, whether at home or abroad. We soften our hearts, increase our energies to renew a determination to walk in the path of peace. Let this patriotic and solemn day become merely a day on which we reflect upon the loss and departure of loved ones. Let us consider what appreciation we need to show for the sacrifices they have made for us as we decorate the graves with flags and flowers. May it proclaim to the world that with loving affection, we remember our loved ones and may we be thankful for the sacrifices they have made. As we travel down that memory lane, this coming Memorial Day may we reflect on the real meaning of this very special day of the year.

A warm thought for the week: Inner beauty comes from a gentle and quiet spirit. 

Have a week filled with warm thoughts and memories!

Warm Thoughts From the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner

May 27th, 1993

Published in the Marion Record

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Till next time,

Trina