Memorial Day

"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." - from The Gettysburg Address by A. Lincoln

Memorial Day is America's most profound secular holiday. It is the day we set aside as a nation to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country and the principals of freedom. I am the first one to question our government's motives and policies, but Memorial Day is a solemn occasion and the memories of those who have fallen should not be tarnished with political debate as to the just causes of the wars that America has fought or to war itself.

Service to one's country is a sacred duty and I join my fellow Americans in paying homage to those who have shouldered this responsibility bravely, unselfishly, and unflinchingly. Who among us can remain unmoved at the sound of Taps played on a lonely trumpet mournfully wafting across a hillside cemetery, or not shed a tear as a bagpipe plaintively wails Amazing Grace?

Like all of our great holidays, Memorial Day as we know it, has undergone an evolutionary process. Memorial Day has not always been known as the official start of the summer season. It has not always been known as the mandatory day to fire up the grill and dig out the gardening tools. It has not always been known as the day for Super Spectacular Summer Sales. In fact, Memorial Day has not always been known as Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day was born out of the bloodshed of the Civil War. On May 1st, 1865, in Charleston, SC, former slaves honored 257 dead Union Soldiers, who had been buried in a mass grave, in a Confederate prison camp. They dug up the bodies and worked for 2 weeks to give them a proper burial as gratitude for fighting for their freedom. They then held a parade of 10,000 people led by 2,800 Black children where they marched, sang and celebrated.” -  Abstrakt Goldsmith (1980 - )

Originally called Decoration Day, it was a time to remember the slain by decorating their graves. Although women's groups in the South were observing this practice before the end of the Civil War.

"The 30th day 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. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic. Let us, then, at the time appointed, raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." - John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief, Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former soldiers, sailors and marines, May 5th, 1868

After World War I, Decoration Day came to acknowledge not only those who were killed in the Civil War, but those Americans who had died in all wars. In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act effectively changing Decoration Day to Memorial Day, and from the 30th to the last Monday in May. There is growing agitation to revert the holiday to its original date.

One tradition that started on that first Decoration Day is still observed today. In 1868, General James A. Garfield, who would become our 20th President, made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and over 5,000 volunteers decorated the grave sites of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers laid there to rest. This custom survives today as small American flags are placed by members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry on each of the 260,000 graves at Arlington, and the President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This act, more than any other, symbolizes Memorial Day, and the poignant sight of our National Cemetery embodies the tangible price of liberty.

I see a sad procession,

And I hear the sound of coming full key'd bugles,

All the channels of the city streets they're flooding,

As with voices and with tears.

For the son is brought with the father,

In the foremost ranks of the fierce assault they fell,

Two veterans son and father dropt together,

And the double grave awaits them.

Excerpt from Dirge for Two Veterans by Walt Whitman

So here in brief is a listing of the major wars in which heroic American men and women have, as General Logan put it, "made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes."

The American Revolution (1775-1782)

Colonial militiamen, under the leadership of General George Washington face off against the largest empire on earth. The shot heard around the world reverberates to this day.

The War of 1812 (1812-1815)

The so-called Second War of Independence develops out of European turmoil. In its war with Napoleon, Britain institutes maritime blockades, seizing American ships and impressing American merchant seamen into service in the British navy. Throughout 1812 and 1813 American forces attempt to roust the British from their positions in Canada to no avail. In fact, by 1814, with France collapsing, reinforced British troops are able to take Washington DC, forcing President Madison and Congress to flee, and the White House and other public buildings are burned. The American army fights back an attempt to take Baltimore and in land and sea battles forces the British into retreat. By the end of 1814, Britain, tired of war, signs a treaty with America. Hostilities formally end in January of 1815.

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

Reacting to the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845, Mexico crosses the Rio Grande in May of 1846 and shells Fort Brown. President James K. Polk officially declares war with Mexico, and American troops occupy territories in New Mexico and California. In September of 1847, American forces enter Mexico City after capturing the port city of Veracruz. In February of 1848, a treaty is signed, with Mexico ceding two-fifths of its territory to the United States for $15 million.

The Civil War (1861-1865)

620,000 Americans lose their lives as brother fights brother. In terms of lives lost, by far the costliest war America ever wages.

The Spanish-American War (April 25th, 1898-August 12th, 1898)

"A war started by newspapers to sell newspapers." The war that defines America as a world power. Spanish occupation of Cuba results in heavy losses to American economic interests and threatens the proposed Panama Canal. After the sinking of the U.S. Battleship Maine in Havana Harbor, the United States navy under George Dewey crushes the Spanish fleet. Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders ride into history at San Juan Hill. An armistice is signed in August, freeing Cuba under U.S. tutelage; Puerto Rico and Guam are ceded to the U.S.; and the Philippines are surrendered to the U.S. for $20 million.

World War I (1914-1918)

The War to End All Wars. Millions die in the fields and trenches of Europe. The first modern war. Introduction of effective submarine warfare. German U-boats wreak carnage on the high seas. First strategic use of air power. First use of chemical weapons (mustard gas). America seeks in vain to remain neutral. Sinking of passenger liner Lusitania results in loss of 128 American lives. April 6th, 1917 Congress grants President Woodrow Wilson's declaration of war. German-Americans become targets of vigilantism, Selective Service Act raises American army from 200,000 to over 4,000,000, Women's Trade Union League founded as women take over men's jobs in factories and the service sector. Eventual U.S. casualties result in 112,000 dead, more than half from disease. Treaty of Versailles sets stage for future conflict.

World War II (1939-1945)

Gives rise to the "Greatest Generation." U.S. enters the conflict in 1941 after bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, a day that will live in infamy. War affects all corners of the globe and every life on earth. Civilian loss of life in Europe many times greater than military casualties. Mankind reaches new heights in barbarism. First and only use of atomic bombs as military weapons. Kilroy marches home victorious to greatest economic and population boom in U.S. history.

The Korean War (1950-1953)

First war against Communism. The Forgotten War. After WWII, Korea was divided at the 38th Parallel into Soviet and U.S. zones of occupation. United Nations responds to North Korean invasion of South Korea by sending multinational troops. China enters conflict on side of North Korea. Cease-fire reached on July 27th, 1953. This police action will serve as the basis for M*A*S*H, arguably the most intelligently written television series ever filmed.

The Vietnam War (1954-1975)

Longest war ever fought by U.S. (until Afghanistan) and only war America ever loses. A divided country in Southeast Asia effectively divides this country. First "televised" war brings graphic images of brutality into America's living rooms.

Desert Storm (1990-1991)

Last war of the 20th Century. First high-tech war. U.S. leads U.N. coalition against Iraq's attempt to annex Kuwait. Iraqi threats that this will be "the mother of all wars" fall short of the mark. Saddam Hussein remains in power.

Operation Enduring Freedom (October 2001-ongoing)

Terrorism made manifest. Al Qaeda members hijack and crash passenger planes into New York's World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001. Greatest single day loss of American life since Civil War's Battle of Antietem. Mastermind Osama Bin Laden blamed for attack. America attacks Taliban government of Afghanistan and Al Qaeda strongholds and training camps. America ousts Taliban, Bin Laden goes into hiding.

Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 20th, 2003-May 1st, 2003)

2nd war against Iraq, ostensibly to root out weapons of mass destruction and topple oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. Brief fighting results in downfall of Hussein government.

During the Civil War, when a soldier marched off to war, he carried a picture of his sweetheart, his rifle, some journey cake, or "johnnycake" as it came to be known, and a good supply of jerked beef. Real beef jerky is a far cry from Slim Jims and other beef snacks sold as impulse items on liquor store check-out counters. Try this recipe for something a little different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3k8H_9SjoM

(When Johnny Comes Marching Home)

Beef Jerky

Trim all the fat from 3 lbs. flank steak. Cut beef in strips 1/4 inch wide, slicing with - not across - the grain of the meat. Jerk, or pull, the strips of meat just a bit. In large glass or stainless steel bowl, cover strips with 1 bottle of dry red wine, 3 tablespoons garlic powder, 3 tablespoons onion powder, 3 tablespoons salt, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 3 teaspoons black pepper and 1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce. Cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate, and marinate meat for at least 24 hours (48 is preferable), stirring occasionally.

Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven to catch drippings. Adjust oven racks to top and center settings. Drain off the marinade liquid and drape strips over the wire racks in your oven. Be sure strips of meat do not touch each other as much as possible. Set oven on lowest setting - warm or approx. 150 degrees F. Keep oven door slightly ajar. Meat should dehydrate, not cook. Jerk meat for 12 to 24 hours until beef is dry but not brittle. Store in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers.

Buffalo meat may be substituted. Package some up for friends. They're great to have along on car trips, camp outs, picnics, and sporting events.

Johnnycake

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

2/3 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup fresh cranberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8 inch square glass or ceramic baking dish.

In medium sized bowl mix flour, cornmeal, baking soda and salt with fork.

Melt butter in large glass bowl in microwave. Whisk in sugar. Add eggs and whisk until well blended. Whisk in buttermilk. Whisk in dry ingredients until well blended. Add cranberries and incorporate with spatula. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and scrape down sides of bowl with spatula.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set on wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with freshly churned butter.

In the year 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance resolution. This act asks that on Memorial Day at 3:00 pm local time, all Americans "voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence." So between the barbecuing and lawn mowing, the parades and softball games, let our thoughts go out to the friends and neighbors, family and strangers, who have laid down their lives so we may enjoy these pastimes.

Last May, when I published my Memorial Day blog, a comment was posted by a reader who thanked me for knowing the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Her comment said in part, "Not many people realize that Memorial Day is the day we pay respect to military personnel who DIED during service to their country. Veterans Day is the day we honor all veterans, living OR dead. My father was a survivor of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. It always bothered him when people started using Memorial Day to honor veterans who didn't die during service to their country. He said the men and women who died during service truly deserved a day set aside just for them, because they made the ultimate sacrifice! My dad passed away five years ago, but I know he's up there smiling because someone actually knows what Memorial Day is all about!" - Cynthia Baker, May 25, 2014.

Her words caused me to think about that significance. Memorial Day honors the men and women who gave up the chance to be with their loved ones so we could be with ours.

In Flanders Fields 

By Lieutenant Colonel (Canadian Army) John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) 

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.