This coming Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day. It is a day that serves as a solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.
The tribute began three years after the end of the Civil War, on May 5, 1868, and was called Decoration Day. In 1968, the federal government changed the name to Memorial Day.
From my childhood days until now, my family always decorated the graves of family members.
Decoration Day, as it was called in my youth, was huge. I remember my mother and neighbors sitting on the front porch with packages of different colors of crepe paper using their thumbs to make flower pedals and attaching them to a piece of wire to make a flower. That was long before artificial flowers were available at stores and roadside stands.
Although my mother took part in the activities, she only decorated with live flowers. We had a variety of flowers blooming in our yard and she would make bouquets for the graves of three infant children and a special large layout for my brother who was killed in a plane crash in World War II.
We took the decorations to Corinth Cemetery. It was crowded with people in the 50’s and 60’s. I remember musicians playing and people spending long hours at the cemetery.
As time passed, my mother started ordering fresh flowers from flower shops. As long as she was able, she went to the cemetery every year. She lived to 101.5 years of age, and when she became bedridden she made sure one of us decorated for her.
After she passed away, my sister, Wanda, took on the responsibility of getting the flower arrangements and me and my wife Judy have continued the tradition with Wanda of decorating the graves.
My wife and I also take care of the graves of her parents in Corbin and her relatives, including her grandparents in Williamsburg.
Having been doing this for about 80 years, I’ve seen how many graves are left untouched because there are no relatives left to decorate them.
A consistent problem for all cemeteries is upkeep. It takes a lot of money and it is always in short supply. This year will be tougher than ever because of the rain we’ve had and the grass has grown more. I can’t recall a time that I’ve missed going to Corinth Cemetery in the last 80 years. The weekend would not be the same without doing the rounds. Because of my upbringing, there are so many memories connected to the Memorial Day.
In addition to the brave soldiers who gave their lives for this country and all who served, plus friends and relatives who have gone on, this coming Monday is a very special day. A day to remember and be thankful for the time those that are gone spent with us.
