Many years ago, we called Memorial Day Decoration Day. It was also a national holiday that was observed to pay tribute to the many men lost in the Civil War. I do not remember anyone who took a 2- or 3-day holiday weekend and went camping or boating. Of course, I do not remember anyone who had a boat or a camper, either.
Our day started out early morning with fresh flowers being picked and wrapped in wet newspapers to keep them fresh; quart canning jars were washed and packed in boxes to take to the cemetery. Then, early midmorning and as a family, we gathered at the cemetery, filled the jars with fresh, cool water, unwrapped the fresh-picked flowers, placed them in the water-filled jars, then found the perfect spot for them at the headstones of our lost family members and friends.
We used our own flowers; no one I knew used artificial flowers in those long-ago days. The Spirea and Iris were in bloom at Memorial Day. With climate change, I noted they were in bloom this year at Easter… way too early to wrap and save for Memorial Day use. I realize it is the thought that counts, but I think, with my family, it was a labor of love to gather the real homegrown flowers and take care of them. That showed a lot of love and respect for our fallen loved ones.
Decoration Day was also considered a time to celebrate with our families, gathering for large family dinners and fellowship after our time at the cemetery.
I am glad we still honor our long-ago loved ones with our remembrance at the church and the floral offerings we take to the cemetery, but my memories of the past are a wonderful reminder of that long-ago time when life was a lot simpler.
Memories are a gift from the heart.
Submitted by Ernie Cain