Memorial Day was created to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War-and was originally called Decoration Day. John L. Logan is largely responsible for organizing the day, and in 1868 declared:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated 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 of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

As time-and wars-went by-people began honoring all fallen soldiers on the day-no matter when or how they had served their country. In 1971 Congress officially declared Memorial Day to be an official holiday occurring on the last Monday in May-to honor all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice serving in the Armed Forces of The United States of America.

This week’s Pickin’ & Grinnin’ In The Kitchen Spot is dedicated to all fallen soldiers.

Hope you enjoyed the song and I hope you give thought to those who’ve died for our freedom on this Memorial Day Weekend.

Tipper

This post was originally published here on the Blind Pig in May of 2009.

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8 Comments

  1. God bless them all, and all who love and loved them, working hard (often struggling) to keep the home fires burning brightly in their absence.
    God bless.
    RB
    <><

  2. We went to Ellijay Ga today to visit the Veitnam traveling wall memorial. I knew there was around 60,000 soilders who died in that war but it is a staggering thing to see that many names on a wall. It was almost unbelievable. Most of the men who died there was around 20 years old. My wife’s cousin was one of those men. He was just a small town boy who answered the call and paid the ultimate sacrifice. I pray for the day of no more wars. May all of the men and women who died in service to our country rest in eternal peace.

  3. Tipper,
    I loved that ‘fitting’ song by Paul and
    Pap. A very nice tribute to our Vets.
    Thanks to all Veterans for their Service…Ken

  4. God bless the men and women who have served so that we can be free. I am thankful that there were so many dedicated to the preservation of our freedoms.

  5. Great song! We are getting ready for our Memorial Day service today. Our community let slide this observance and a dear friend of mine, Jan Johnson (whose son was the first soldier from Floyd County to die in Iraq) and I could not abide with not Honoring these Fallen Heroes. Two years ago we decided to hold a service for them at our Veterans Plaza at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. This will be our third year, the first year we had 50 folks show, last year over 100.
    We know today it will grow even more. God Bless these Fallen Heroes and their families; God Bless Amereica.

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