"Decoration Day", Harper's Weekly, June 2, 1883It's Memorial Day in America, a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers that always has greater significance at a time of war. Memorial Day used to be known as Decoration Day, which had its roots in General John A. Logan's General Order 11, which must rank as one of the most unusual military documents ever released:
"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."You can read the rest of the order here. Since that time, Memorial Day has changed a little in its meaning, and has become a time for family reunions and more general remembrance. Here's a media round-up:
- George Bush's activities are described by the Voice of America...
- ...whilst the Baltimore Sun provides statements from Obama, Clinton and McCain.
- Both the Washington Post and the LA Times consider the wider meaning of the holiday, whilst the LA Times also has a special project remembering California's war dead.
- The New York Times profiles the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home.
- Howard Zinn considers his World War II experiences for Salon:
- And finally: Memorial Day has provoked a number of musical tributes over the years, including those from Charles Ives and James McMurtry. Here, however, are the Drive By Truckers doing Decoration Day:
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