This is dedicated to many of my relatives (my Uncle Jerry- may you rest in the peace and the security of God the Father (Air Force) & Uncle Jim (Navy), Grandpa Wight (Army), Ben Zak. (Army ROTC), Maj. Blenkush (Air Force), SJ Blenkush (AF), Jonathan (and his wife) Blenkush (AF)) friends and others in the armed forces: Thank you for your sacrifice to secure our freedom!
The official birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, New York. The village was credited with being the place of origin because it observed the day on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter. The friendship between General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who helped bring attention to the event nationwide likely, was a factor in the holiday’s growth. General Logan had been the principal speaker in a citywide memorial observation on April 29, 1866, at a cemetery in Carbondale, Illinois, an event that likely gave him the idea to make it a national holiday. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans’ organization, Logan issued a proclamation that “Decoration Day” be observed nationwide. It was observed for the first time on May 30th of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle. The tombs of fallen Union soldiers were decorated in remembrance. The alternative name of “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name be Federal law until 1967.
Final note: God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). This was the ultimate sacrifice and I pray that all of you would come to a decision to follow Christ with your lives (see John 14:6).
The official birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, New York. The village was credited with being the place of origin because it observed the day on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter. The friendship between General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who helped bring attention to the event nationwide likely, was a factor in the holiday’s growth. General Logan had been the principal speaker in a citywide memorial observation on April 29, 1866, at a cemetery in Carbondale, Illinois, an event that likely gave him the idea to make it a national holiday. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans’ organization, Logan issued a proclamation that “Decoration Day” be observed nationwide. It was observed for the first time on May 30th of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle. The tombs of fallen Union soldiers were decorated in remembrance. The alternative name of “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name be Federal law until 1967.
Final note: God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). This was the ultimate sacrifice and I pray that all of you would come to a decision to follow Christ with your lives (see John 14:6).
Lastly, for those currently serving in the armed services and/or in harms way, God offers this:
'Have I not commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go'.
(Josh. 1:9)
Grace & Peace
PLW
