Final 2010-2011 CSD School Calendar

Calendar Legend

Irregular Days

And...

...while in a reminiscing mode.

Lest we forget...

From yesterday's Southern Illinoisan

Link to Original Story

Voice of The Southern: It once was called Decoration Day, an observance for somber reflection

Posted: Sunday, May 29, 2011 1:00 am

Our view: Take some time tomorrow to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, a time when we honor fallen comrades and loved ones.

Memorial Day is aptly scheduled this year. Our hearts are heavy because of the terrible death and destruction suffered in Joplin, Mo., and we pray for the lost souls and for comfort for the shaken survivors of a gigantic tornado.

We also remain mired in three combat zones - Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya - perhaps to the point of desensitization. Yet the death of a soldier today hurts survivors just as deeply as it did when large anti-war protests were staged after the invasion of Iraq.

It seems inappropriate to call Memorial Day a "legal holiday" and always wrong to say it is celebrated. The day is observed, and uniform-wearing marching units are participating in a procession - not a parade. Holidays and parades are frothy and fun. Memorial Day is a time for somber reflection.

It also is a time when families gather, perhaps for a backyard cookout or the season's first trip to the old swimming hole. This is fitting and proper. We are alive. The terrifying recent storms have ceased. The weather is warming and mild.

Yet let us remember the historic roots for this break from work and responsibility. As we observe Memorial Day on Monday, let us recall the soldiers, sailors and pilots who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. You may associate with the people of your choice, speak freely and chart your own destiny only because Americans through the generations were willing to give their lives for their country.

It is especially fitting that we residents of Southern Illinois reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. Although Waterloo, N.Y., was officially designated by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966 as the birthplace of Memorial Day, many people in Southern Illinois believe the nationwide observation began through the efforts and vision of our region's own Gen. John A. Logan.

Historic accounts identify Logan as the keynote speaker April 29, 1866, when a crowd of 200 soldiers and 4,000 citizens gathered in Carbondale's Woodlawn Cemetery to honor those who died in the Civil War. More than 60 graves in the small cemetery at 405 E. Main St. are filled with the remains of troops killed in the Civil War, a horrific conflict that killed more than 500,000 Americans.

"Every man's life belongs to his country and no man has the right to refuse when his country calls for it," Logan said.

Logan also played a key role two years later in ensuring similar observations became a national tradition. As the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, he issued an order instructing his comrades to observe May 30, 1868, and every successive May 30 as "Decoration Day," a reference to the custom of decorating the graves of the deceased.

Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day later in the 1800s and was designated a legal holiday in many northern states. In 1971, Memorial Day was designated as the final Monday in May by the National Holiday Act, which standardized several three-day weekends nationwide.

It was this final act the creation of the three-day weekend that has confused some people about the meaning and purpose of Memorial Day. Unlike other holidays, this is not a time of celebration.

It is a day of observation, a time to give thanks and prayer to those who have gone before us. Logan and his comrades understood the true meaning of Memorial Day and set an example for their survivors. Let us recall their splendid example on Memorial Day. Let us honor the memories of our fallen veterans and loved ones. Let us forever be grateful for their lives and valiant service.