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Memorial Day
A Day Devoted To Honoring Those Who Died Serving In The United States Military.
The origins of Memorial Day trace back to the years following the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any war before or since. Communities across the country began holding springtime tributes, decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. The tradition became widely known as “Decoration Day.”
In 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a national day of remembrance to honor Civil War dead. Over time, the observance expanded to recognize Americans lost in all wars and military conflicts. In 1971, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
Today, Memorial Day serves several purposes. It is a day for honoring sacrifice, supporting veterans and military families, and reflecting on the freedoms many Americans enjoy because others were willing to serve. Across the country, communities hold ceremonies, visit cemeteries, display flags, and pause for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.
In small towns like Springdale, Memorial Day can feel especially personal. Many families have connections to military service through parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends. The holiday offers an opportunity not only to remember those who died in uniform, but also to teach younger generations about service, sacrifice, and gratitude.
As the red rock cliffs of southern Utah welcome another summer season, Memorial Day reminds us that freedom has never come without cost — and that remembering those who gave their ”last full measure of devotion” is an important American tradition.
Recession
by Rudyard Kipling (first two stanzas)
God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-flung battle-line, Beneath whose awful Hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine— Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget!
The tumult and the shouting dies; The Captains and the Kings depart: Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget!