Hold tight, put the beer on ice, and the burgers in the fridge.
We’ve escaped a tough winter and are gearing up for spring and summer. For many of us, Memorial Day kicks it off in style and is the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day is filled with a day off and a weekend filled with friends, family, burgers, and cold beer. Cabins have dusted off their boats, and the docks are ready for some fun. Fishing is in full swing, and the water is warm enough for swimming.
But wait, do you really know what Memorial Day is all about?
Memorial Day originated in the late 1860s, honoring those who perished while serving in the United States Military. It began after the Civil War, which was brutal on so many levels. Soldiers endured lengthy periods of combat, primitive healthcare for injuries, inadequate food supplies, and unsanitary living conditions in battle. Soldiers suffered from deep psychological trauma from the horrors of warfare and from missing and worrying about loved ones back home. It was simply brutal.
Soldiers began to honor their fallen comrades by decorating the graves of those killed during the war. This act of remembrance and memorialization quickly spread. In 1868, General John Logan designated the day as Decoration Day for the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. In 1971, Memorial Day was standardized as the last Monday in May, recognizing all men and women who died while serving our country.
Many American Legion and VFW Posts will provide brief services on Memorial Day at local cemeteries to honor fallen soldiers with speeches, the presentation of the flag, playing of taps, and of course, gun volleys. It is fascinating to know that the origin of the ‘three’ gun volleys over the grave of the fallen soldier was to signal that the body of the veteran had been removed from the battlefield and that battle could resume.
So, this Memorial Day, take pause for a moment to remember its purpose.
Understand that Memorial Day weekend isn’t about deep discounts or sales at the department store or working out in the yard. It is about recognizing the heroes who sacrificed their lives so that today, we can freely enjoy all the benefits of living in the greatest country in the world: The United States of America!
Honoring Our Heroes: O’Connell Family Funeral Home’s Commitment to Veterans
As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel this Memorial Day, it’s important to recognize not only the valor but also the dignified commemorations afforded to them and their families. O’Connell Family Funeral Home stands out in its commitment to honoring those who have served our nation.
O’Connell’s is known for its specialized services for veterans, ensuring that every military funeral reflects the honor and respect deserved. From personalized caskets and vaults adorned with military symbols to the coordination of full military honors, including rifle volleys, flag presentations, and the poignant playing of Taps, O’Connell’s ensures a tribute that is both meaningful and memorable.
Furthermore, all veterans are eligible for certain benefits such as monuments and burial flags at no cost, a dignified recognition of their service. O’Connell’s staff works diligently with local veterans’ offices to ensure that families receive all entitled benefits, easing their burden during a difficult time.
For families looking to continue the legacy of service, O’Connell’s also offers the respectful disposal of retired American flags. These flags, often worn and tattered from service, are draped over the containers of cremated veterans, paying one final tribute to both the individual and the flag they served under.
This Memorial Day, as we enjoy the freedoms afforded by those who have served, let’s also remember the respectful and personalized remembrance options that places like O’Connell Family Funeral Home provide, ensuring our heroes are never forgotten.
