Honoring and Serving Those Who Served in the Military

First of Two Parts
“The greatest casualty is being forgotten.” (From the Wounded Warriors Project website)
Some feel that Memorial Day has gradually become more “three-day-weekend holiday” than a day of commemoration. I must admit that, as part of the baby boomer generation, my own uncertainties about the roots of this national holiday and how it differs, if at all, from Veteran’s Day required me to do some research. Undoubtedly, many reading this may already be far more knowledgeable on the subject. But if you, too, need a short refresher course, the history of this special day may inspire renewed appreciation of its significance.
In May of 1868, Decoration Day was officially proclaimed by the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic as a day of remembrance for those who died in the nation’s service during the Civil War. The day was first observed on May 30th of that year, when the graves of all Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery were decorated with flowers. By 1890, all northern states recognized the holiday, but most of the South still chose to honor their dead on days of their own designation. Following World War I the focus of the holiday was expanded to include those Americans who died fighting in any war. Now known as Memorial Day, this holiday is commemorated in almost every state on the last Monday in May.
The custom of distributing red poppies on Memorial Day dates back to the World War I era when an American, Moina Michael, moved by the poem “In Flander’s Field,” started the custom of wearing a poppy to honor those who died in the armed services during war. She also sold the flowers to co-workers and friends to raise money for servicemen in need. A French woman visiting the United States brought the custom back to her country, selling artificial red poppies to help war orphaned children and widowed women.
In the US, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was the first veteran’s organization to organize a nationwide distribution of artificial poppies. Since that Memorial Day in 1922, the VFW has raised millions of dollars through this Buddy Poppy Program.
The Buddy Poppy is trademarked with the US Patent Office, guaranteeing that all poppies with that name and the VFW label are produced by disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals. In addition to compensating the veterans who assemble the poppies, the Buddy Poppy Program provides funds toward maintaining national and state veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and some support for the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of US veterans.
The national holiday we now call Veteran’s Day was originally known as Armistice Day, named for the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918 that officially ended World War I. The enabling legislation designated this as a national day to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all US veterans, not just those who had paid the ultimate price. In 1954, the name of the holiday was officially changed to include and recognize the contribution of all Americans who had served or would serve their country in any of the armed services.
Recent scandals involving political candidates that may have exaggerated or misrepresented the nature of their military service are in stark contrast to the quiet heroism of most American veterans. On Memorial Day we remember with awe and gratitude those service men and women who gave their lives to preserve our freedom.
Next Time — Part Two: Programs and Resources That Serve Our Veterans and Their Families
DID YOU KNOW?
• The next meeting of the Un-limb-ited Potential Amputee Support Group will be held on Monday, June 21st at 1 pm in the Maruchi Room at Cape Regional Medical Center. All who come have an opportunity to shape the focus and direction of this support group. For more information please contact Audrey Smith (898-0803), John McDonald (861-5695), Bonnie Kratzer (463-4043) or Paulann Pierson (465-4117 Ext. 28).
• Cape Assist is offering a Dinner & Family Workshop Series for military families with children ages 5-11. There is no cost to attend and free babysitting is offered on the premises. Workshops are held on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm. For more information, call 522-5960.
Pierson is the Coordinator of the Cape May County Office of Disability Services