One of America's Days

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WRoWPhLU2Q

Memorial Day is such an important holiday in our great nation. I appreciate all the sacrifices that servicemen have made throughout the centuries. In my research last week at the museum, I read a newspaper article from 1894 about Decoration Day, the early version of Memorial Day. I wanted to share some of what the article said describing the parade in the city.

"They seemed to realize that that the applause of the thousands who cheered them on their march carried with those cheers words of sympathy for the nation's loss of their comrades. The lame and the blind were in the procession. Every physical defect served as an evidence of heroism. There were empty sleeves, artificial limbs, and crutches. Cheers, loud, sincere, open-hearted cheers, greeted those who were compelled to put their physical defects in evidence. Each one taught every young American a lesson that he will profit by. Mothers told their sons and the gaping babies they held in their arms that these scarred veterans had suffered for a lifetime simply for their country's sake. Last night around the table they again told them in answer to the oft-repeated questions that the veterans they saw during the day were men of sturdy hearts and characters to emulate. Young America was taught a practical lesson yesterday as he has been ever since Schoolmaster Washburntook his little band to Belle Island and instructed them to honor the memory of Union soldiers. Those lessons and all that will be involuntarily impressed in future will not be forgotten. The impress will be found when this great country calls on its sons at any future time, if it ever should, to do their dury. Decoraton Day is one of America's days."