Heed Civil War general’s appeal this Memorial Day

On this date in 1868, Gen. John A. Logan, Civil War veteran and commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a proclamation that laid the foundation for the solemn national holiday that freedom-loving Americans continue to observe today.

çn it, Logan designated May 30 “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance, no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”

One hundred and forty-eight years later, Logan’s appeal remains equally poignant and his call for appropriate tributes continues to be answered.

In the Mahoning Valley, dozens of veterans organizations and civic groups have responded with an array of parades, graveyard services and other special events for Memorial Day.

Today remains a day for Americans collectively to memorialize the 1.3 million U.S. war dead from Crispus Attucks killed March 5, 1770, in the Revolutionary War to Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Q. McClintock, killed in hostile fire this year in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in conflict lingering beyond last year’s official end of the war on terror there.

Operation Enduring Freedom stood as the code name for the War in Afghanistan. But in broader terms, it also stands as the trademark of our democracy. To protect and to enable our individual freedoms and personal liberties to endure, military might sometimes must be mustered.

Indeed, the U.S. has been involved in warfare 90 percent of its 240-year history. Over that time, few families have been spared the anguish and pain of losing a loved one from combat.

All Americans who recognize the value of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform ought to make time today to fittingly observe Memorial Day, which became a congressionally declared national holiday in 1971.

They can do so by pausing to remember and pay tribute to Attucks, McClintock and all of the other valiant warriors between them who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the American way.

MEMORIAL DAY CORRUPTED

Sadly, however, for far too many of us, Memorial Day’s primary purpose has been cheapened and corrupted. The day has become one to celebrate the unofficial start of summer, a day to romp on the beach or a day to fire up that shiny new grill for outdoor barbecues. For too many, the solemnity and true purpose of the day get scant attention.

Others tend to confuse today’s holiday with Veterans Day in November. Veterans Day marks a nation’s homage to all men and women ñ– living and dead ñ– who have served in the armed forces in the nation’s 10 major wars.

Memorial Day is different. It is the day that a grateful nation has set aside to solemnly and soberly remember and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

Sacrifice and selflessness indeed are the watchwords of today’s national holiday. That ís why it í is so incredibly important that we take time out today from sunning, swimming and grilling to pause long enough to harken back to Gen. Logan’s call and recognize the true intent of Memorial Day. Here are just a few ways to do so:

Proudly display an American flag at your home or business.

Attend any of a number of Memorial Day parades and events throughout the Mahoning Valley. Among the most popular are parades this morning in Boardman, New Middletown and Columbiana.

Take part with friends and family members in the National Moment of Remembrance. This event of national unity held each year since 2000 encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time for one minute of silence, honor and reflection about those who have died in service to our nation.

As Moment of Remembrance Founder Carmella La Spada put it, “It’s one way all of us can help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

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