There’s a long holiday weekend coming up.  It’s the “unofficial” kick-off of another summer season.  Memorial Day weekend will be marked around the country with cook-outs, the uncovering of swimming pools, and an extra day off from work to celebrate the impending warm weather ahead.

Amidst all of the holiday hustle and bustle; however, I urge you to take a few moments to understand and remember what the holiday is really all about.   Celebrated on the last Monday in May, it was originally known as Decoration Day, and was first observed after the American Civil War in 1868 as a way to honor and remember those who lost their lives in that great conflict.

The term “Memorial Day” was coined in the late 1800s, but became the more common name after World War II.  It was made the “official” name by Federal decree in 1967 and a Federal holiday in 1971[1].

Not to be confused with Veterans Day (celebrated in November and honoring ALL members who have served in the armed forces), Memorial Day is a time to specifically remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice – dying while serving their country.

An excellent way to honor these men and women is to take a few moments and learn about just one person who gave their lives in the service of this country.  Ask around.  Go to any American Legion, AmVets, or VFW post.  Do a little research.  Do them the honor of caring to learn about their lives – if only for a brief moment.

For example…..

Joseph C. Herbert was born in Clear Spring, MD (the town where I live) on January 28, 1914. The son of a prominent local farmer, Walter Herbert, he was known as an excellent athlete, a good friend, and also attended St. John’s United Church of Christ on a regular basis.  He joined the Army right after graduating from Clear Spring High School in 1932.  He re-enlisted twice more after that, eventually being stationed in far-off and exotic Hawaii by 1941 as part of the Army Air Corp, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant [2].  The warm breezes and island life of Hawaii must have been something to behold for a young man like Joseph.

He was killed at Wheeler Field on the morning of December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a mere 27 years old.  One of the first local residents to die in World War II, he is also widely considered to be the first person from the state of Maryland to lose his life at Pearl Harbor.  The local American Legion post (Post #222) was named in his honor.  He is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery of Clear Spring, MD – not far from my house.

I visited his grave to pay my respects this week.

As you celebrate this weekend, please don’t forget that the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States came at a cost – the loss of thousands upon thousands of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  Take a moment – however brief – to stop and remember the real reason for the holiday.

 

 

 

[1] Background history taken from Wikipedia contributors, “Memorial Day,” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Memorial_Day&oldid=782006566 (accessed May 24, 2017).

[2] “Clear Spring native Joseph C. Herbert”, Herald-Mail newspaper, http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/clear-spring-native-joseph-c-herbert/video_253763f2-7d94-11e4-a351-1f8318561d9f.html  (accessed May 24, 2017)