Does anyone else besides me remember your folks calling Memorial Day, Decoration day?
Of course, that is what it was called when I was a child before the government made it a three day holiday falling on Monday.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 1978 OSWEGO VALLEY NEWS PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS the contributions of individual men may not be recorded in the ledgers of history for the world to recognize and remember, yet are the bases for whatever steps forward have been made in a civilized society; and
WHEREAS the contributions of individual men may be quiet, unpublicized, and without material reward yet have the impact of inspiration, respect and positive influence on the lives of everyone touched by their presence; and
WHEREAS Walter J . Buell, died on March 20, 1978 after a long and giving life to family, friends and to the veterans of our community, was just such a man—quiet, gentle, but unswerving in his service to others; and
WHEREAS Walter J . Buell, never a veteran himself but the grandson of a Civil War Veteran, worked in respect of his father’s contribution in the service of his country by his own personal service on behalf of the Sons of Veterans organization and as President of the Fulton Veterans Council;
WHEREAS Walter J . Buell is remembered by all who knew him as travelling miles during Memorial Day seasons to make certain that every veteran’s grave in every cemetery for many miles around was marked with an American flag; and maintained constant personal contact with the members of the area’s veterans organizations, working actively in the best interest of those who fought for their country;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED in this Memorial Day period of remembrance that Walter J. Buell also be remembered and recognized as a man of consequence, a man of gentle manners, but strong conviction who gave without thought of reward or personal recognition, who participated actively in every Memorial Day observance throughout his adult life, and it made a difference in the quality of life for those whose lives touched his.
Percy E. Patrick
Mayor City of Fulton
YEP....I remember. I also remember the Poppies...
My late father, a World War II veteran, always called the holiday “Decoration Day.”
Decoration Day is what I always knew it as.
I sure do. And I was told this day was originally set aside to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers who died defending freedom.
It was always ‘Decoration Day’ to my mom. Which is why my sis and I got out to the cemetary and decorated the graves. Mom never missed Decoration Day. It just was not done.
I remember that! I also recall that it always fell on May 30th.
Or so I’ve heard... ;o]