In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a Federal Holiday and was moved from being observed on May 30 to being observed on the last Monday of May for the public’s convenience. At the time the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization said “Changing the date to create a three-day weekend has undermined the very meaning of the day.”
Was the Veterans of War organization correct, has the meaning of Memorial Day been undermined by the creation of a three-day holiday?
I pondered this question last year after reading a friend’s Facebook post which read, “Please remember those who served and never came home. Memorial Day is a day to honor ALL who served. Not just a party weekend. Thank you!”
My friend wrote this after just returning from cleaning and decorating her brother Ronny’s gravestone. Ronny died on September 21, 1980 while serving in the US Army overseas. Ronny was 20 years old when he died; he was kind, funny and my favorite babysitter. In 1980 my friend was just 13.
For many Americans Memorial Day is the kickoff to the summer season rather than a day to remember and honor the lives and deaths of soldiers whose sacrifices have made it possible to have a beach picnic or party weekend.
In honor of Ronny Goodwin I ask all of you to take a moment to remember those who have sacrificed for without them we would not be free. Keep in your thoughts their mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers and children. Most importantly teach your children the true meaning of Memorial Day.
UPTON DAILY 