In Memoriam

   When I think of Memorial Day, I think of primarily one thing—school is over for the year! Other people may also think of summer’s arrival, barbecues in the backyard complete with grilled hamburgers, juicy watermelon, and homemade ice cream, and perhaps a parade down Main Street. While Memorial Day is a fun time to relax with family and friends, marking the end of the school term and the beginning of summer, the holiday has much deeper significance to America. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday we now call Memorial Day was initially observed in the years following the Civil War. That war devastated our nation. The human toll was extremely high with an estimated 620,000 killed. It was a massive loss of life. Not long after the war’s end in 1865, people began to observe a time when they decorated the fallen soldiers’ graves with flowers and held prayer services as a time of remembrance and healing. When our nation became embattled in yet another devastating war—The Great War (also known as World War I)—Decoration Day evolved as an opportunity to remember fallen soldiers from all wars. To begin with, Decoration Day was celebrated on May 30, but in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, and the holiday, by then called Memorial Day, was declared a federal holiday and adjusted accordingly. By moving Memorial Day to always being observed the last Monday of May, it allowed federal workers to have a three-day weekend. Which brings us to today. Enjoy this wonderful three-day weekend. Celebrate with your loved ones. Take a moment of silence at 3:00 to recall those who have given their all for our country. Their sacrifice has created a place where we are free to pursue our dreams and craft our lives. It’s Memorial Day. Remember, reflect, and revel—in the sacrifice of our soldiers and the strength of our country. For more information on the history of Memorial Day, see http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history.    Jennifer Mauser  has always loved reading and writing and received a B.A. in English from the University of Kansas in 1991. Once she and her husband had children, they decided to homeschool, and she put all her training to use in the home. In addition to homeschooling her children, Jennifer teaches IEW classes out of her home, coaches budding writers via  email,  and tutors students who struggle with dyslexia.