It has been a while and many things have taken place since the last writing. It will take some time to catch up and bear with me as I will be going backwards at times. For this addition I'll share some chat about Memorial Day - or Decoration Day as it was once called.
Our Memorial Day, as we now call it, was the result of a practice that had begun in a few of the southern states (Virginia included) where southern ladies would "decorate" with flowers the graves of those who had died during the Civil War (in the South frequently called the War Between the States or, to some, the War of Northern Aggression.) Nevertheless, the loose practice of "decoration" which had begun before the war had ended during the Spring months in the South began to spread to the North. The event was observed in many places throughout the country prior to the formal decision to set aside Decoration Day as an observance for the entire country beginning May 30, 1868. It continued as an occasion to honor Civil War soldiers who had died during the Civil War until shortly after WWI when those who had died in that war were also included in the memorials. A practice that began after WWI was the use of poppies to symbolize Decoration Day. This is attributed to the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by John McCrae in 1919. The poem was classic and was one that was required memorization for all grade school students certainly into the 1950s.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
in Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Memorization was never my strength and to this day I'm comfortable with only the first two lines.
It was customary to receive a red poppy on Decoration Day many of which poppies, both real and assembled, would be distributed by war veterans or by the various women's groups which continued their influence in perpetuating the May 30 observation. The holiday continued unofficially named Decoration Day until 1967 when after years of being called both Decoration Day and Memorial Day Congress decided that Memorial Day would become the official name. The use of Memorial Day had become more customary after WWII and the change was much in keeping with common parlance at that time. Still, the holiday remained a celebration on May 30 until the very next year, 1968, when Congress enacted the Uniform Holidays Bill. It was then legislated that Presidents' Day (previously Washington's Birthday), Memorial Day, and Veterans Day would become Monday holidays allowing for three-day weekends. Memorial Day then became the last Monday in May.
Our activity has usually been in attending Arlington National Cemetery for the services, many times with a speech by the President, or by attending the Memorial Day Concert (usually the night before) on the west front of the Capitol. This year we stayed home and attended the ceremony at the Groveton Confederate Cemetery located at the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Participants included Civil War reenactment groups representing the 42nd Virginia Infantry and the 14th Brooklyn Militia. The weather was brutally hot and humid. Although the high temperature only reached 92d the air was thick and uncomfortable. I say that and we were dressed comfortably in our cottons. Those reenacting wore the replica woolens. Maybe it was just watching them that made us feel that much warmer.
The activities began with an introduction and some history given by a spokesman from the 14th Brooklyn (no accent) Militia. Looking carefully you can see the sweat beads forming. As is custom the flag remains at half-staff from sunrise until 12 noon when raised to full staff. It was at that point that the observance continued including musket salutes. It was a special day.
It was brutal...
"Bellowing" through the thick air
In the heat it was helpful to have something upon which to lean
It's the old notion that if you don't move you might not be so hot
Thank heavens for canteens
Someone who can't forget
At Rest
At Rest
"Oh for an umbrella and some water for my lips"
On the count of three - all fall down
A rough day
Much more water and we know what happens next
The "42nds" salute (Notice the winter damage to the cedar tree branches)
More Musket fire
Reinforcements?
A retreat to the rear for more water
Taps
The flag at full staff
A hot spectator
The Groveton Confederate Cemetery and some of those present
I should note that we left shortly before the conclusion of the ceremony. The spokesman, I am certain, had said the musket fire was finished. Not so. As we were walking down the hill from the cemetery more rounds were shot in our direction. We knew they were using blanks (?) but the temptation was to take a tumble in the weeds in response to the firing. Maturity, nevertheless, was in control.
...til later.
