Submitted by Charlton Stanley (Otteray Scribe), Guest Blogger
Photo by Charlton Stanley (his father)
Friday I was reading another blog, and was stunned and appalled to read this opening line in a post (emphasis mine):
“For most of us, Memorial Day is a joyous occasion. We may think of idyllic, lazy summer days of childhood, whole months away from school. Our greatest concern might well be the inevitable traffic jams created when large groups of people head for the same destination at the same time.”
Many, including the person who wrote the statement above, mistake Veteran’s Day for Memorial Day. The day does not celebrate the veteran. It is a day of remembrance for those who never had a chance to become a veteran. Veteran’s Day is November 11, formerly called Armistice Day.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The exact origin of the custom of decorating the graves of those who gave all in service to the country is shrouded by the mists of time and folklore. Memorial Day became official when General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued his General Order No. 11 on 5 May 1868. The first official Memorial Day observance was 30 May 1868. On that day, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Every year until 1971, Memorial Day was observed on May 30. In 1971, the National Holiday Act of 1971 was passed, making Memorial Day part of a three-day weekend. When Memorial Day became just another long weekend with a day off from work, it began to lose its meaning as a day of remembrance and reflection. The VFW’s official proclamation in 2002 stated in part,
“Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.”
In 1999, Senator Dan Inouye introduced a bill to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30 instead of “the last Monday in May”. The same year, Representative Gibbons introduced a bill in the house saying the same thing. Both bills were referred to Committee. Every year until his death, Senator Inouye re-introduced the bill. If anyone had the credentials to speak for veterans everywhere, it was Senator Inouye; one of the few members of Congress awarded the Medal of Honor. I hope that one day, Memorial Day will return to the original May 30. Every year that passes, a bit more of the real meaning of the day is lost.
We owe it to the dead to honor their memory. It does not matter the war, the cause, or the politics. For every one of those marble slabs in the Gardens of Stone, some parent or loved one got that terrible, awful knock on the door. When I was young, it seemed as if every other house had a gold star in the front window. Those memories are still fresh, even after all those decades. A series has been running on the Daily Kos blog called IGTNT (I Got The News Today). The series honors and remembers those Americans who lost their lives in combat or military operations in the war zone. Their names and pictures are there. Read them and weep for the loved ones left only with memories.
From the Skene Manuscripts
Shortly after the bloody battle at Flodden Field in 1513, one of the members of Clan Skene composed Flowers of the Forest as a lament for the Scots who perished in that terrible battle. It was probably composed originally for the harp, however; it was quickly adapted for the bagpipes. It was lost for about a century, until it was found in the Skene Manuscripts as “Flowres of the Forrest.” The original pipe tune did not have lyrics. In 1756, Jean Elliot wrote lyrics for the tune. Piping Flowers of the Forest has become traditional in the UK for military memorial services. The custom has spread to the US, and is often requested. Flowers of the Forest was piped for my son at his service in the National Cemetery. Because of the somber meaning of the lyrics and tune, pipers will not play or practice Flowers of the Forest in public. Public airing of the ancient tune is reserved for remembrance of the dead.
Flowers of the Forest refers to the soldiers. “The flowers of the forest are all wede away,” means they are all withered away, dead. Centuries later, the flowers theme would be reprised when Roy Williamson composed Flower of Scotland, which has become the National Anthem. This is Ronnie Browne singing Jean Elliot’s lyrics on the actual battlefield at Flodden, now peaceful meadowland.
Flowers of the Forest
By Jean Elliot, (1727 – 1805)
I’ve heard them liltin’, at the ewe milkin,’
Lasses a-liltin’ before dawn of day.
Now there’s a moanin’, on ilka green loanin’.
The flowers of the forest are a’ wede away.
As boughts in the mornin’, nae blithe lads are scornin’,
Lasses are lonely and dowie and wae.
Nae daffin’, nae gabbin’, but sighin’ and sobbin’,
Ilk ane lifts her leglin, and hies her away.
At e’en in the gloamin’, nae swankies are roamin’,
‘Mang stacks wi’ the lasses at bogle to play.
But ilk maid sits drearie, lamentin’ her dearie,
The flowers of the forest are a’ wede away.
In har’st at the shearin’ nae youths now are jeerin’
Bandsters are runkled, and lyart, or grey.
At fair or at preachin’, nae wooin’, nae fleecin’,
The flowers of the forest are a’ wede away.
Dool for the order sent our lads to the Border,
the English for ance by guile wan the day.
The flowers of the forest, that fought aye the foremost,
The prime of our land lie cauld in the clay.
We’ll hae nae mair liltin’, at the ewe milkin’,
Women and bairns are dowie and wae.
Sighin’ and moanin’ on ilka green loanin’,
The flowers of the forest are all wede away.
Vietnam had its iconic poems, tunes and laments as well. One of the more famous poems was by a helicopter pilot; Major Michael Davis O’Donnell. This was written on New Year’s Day, 1970 at Dak To. Major O’Donnell was killed three months later when his helicopter was shot down with twelve souls aboard. His helicopter was hit by ground fire while rescuing troops who had come under heavy fire.
By Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
If you are able, save them a place inside you,
And save one backward glance when you are leaving,
for the places they can no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say you loved them,
though you may, or may not have always.
Take what they have left, and what they have
taught you with their dying, and keep it as your own.
And in that time that when men decide, and feel safe,
to call the war insane, take one moment,
to embrace these gentle heroes you left behind.
There are many poems, essays and songs appropriate for Memorial Day, and for Memorial Day weekend. Some have special meaning for me. Joe Kilna MacKenzie wrote Sgt. MacKenzie in memory of his grandfather, Sgt. Charles Stuart MacKenzie of the Seaforth Highlanders. Joe lost his own battle with cancer in 2009.
About his grandfather, Joe wrote:
“To the best of my knowledge, and taken from reports of the returning soldiers, one of his close friends fell, badly wounded. Charles stood his ground and fought until he was overcome and died from bayonet wounds. On that day, my great grandmother and my grandmother were sitting at the fire when the picture fell from the wall. My great grandmother looked, and said to my grandmother “Oh, my bonnie Charlie’s dead”. Sure enough, a few days passed, and the local policeman brought the news – that Sgt. Charles Stuart MacKenzie had been killed in action. This same picture now hangs above my fireplace. A few years back my wife Christine died of cancer, and in my grief, I looked at his picture to ask what gave him the strength to go on. It was then, in my mind, that I saw him lying on the field and wondered what his final thoughts were. The words and music just appeared into my head. I believe the men and woman like yourself who are prepared to stand their ground for their family – for their friends – and for their country; deserve to be remembered, respected and honoured. “Sgt. MacKenzie”, is my very small tribute to them.”
Sgt. MacKenzie was featured in the soundtrack of the movie, We Were Soldiers. The cover photo in the video is Sergeant MacKenzie.
Eric Bogle wrote several songs about the futility and waste of war, two of the most famous being Green Fields of France, and The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. Lesser known is My Youngest Son Came Home Today. Eric says Mary Black, as a woman and mother, sings it far better than he ever could. Here is Mary Black with My Youngest Son Came Home Today.
Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring those who died in the service of their country. Please share your own special remembrances, poems or songs.
Don’t tell me nations cannot exist without war.
Costa Rica got rid of their military in 1949 and have had no war dead since:
(Wikipedia, “List of Countries without armed forces”).
Crying and grieving is good and healthy, but far better than that is getting rid of the dynamics that are filling up the graveyards.
The military manic is psychotically out of control and it is the greatest threat to civilization at this time.
Mike S,
The video can be found on this thread by searching for this string “Ode to the war trolls from reality”
Mike Spindell 1, May 26, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Dredd,
So honestly what is your purpose on this thread? You use a$$holes like the smug Mr. Chomsky and songs by the Fugs to show your political purity?
…
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Your answer is in the video of the words of the most decorated Marine General in his day, General Smedley Butler.
You left that out.
I posted that video because among other things, he coined the phrase 99% in 1933 in a speech in D.C. during “a million soldier march.”
Does he insult when he quotes Napoleon?
When he tell the truth about Wartocracy?
My purpose is also to encourage a stop to worshipping war, which is the primary religion that caused “The Most Dangerous Day In Recorded History” (RE: recently released papers of RFK – Cuban Missile Crisis).
Combine that with Professor Turley’s “The Fourth Branch of Government” showing that the President has less knowledge than JFK did then, and government officials not knowing what is going on, and one should be able to discern who the sadists and masochists really are.
Clue: it is not the people who eschew cheering on the warmongers.
Happy Memorial Day 2013.
Thanks Elaine and Mespo….
Missed your postings yesterday….
I am a semi-regular reader of this blog and on occasion I do comment on posts. I find it interesting some of the “rancor” (my term and my thought) from OS’s post. It is funny, to me, that we have issues dealing with a sensitive issue such as this. I think part of it is dealing with the issue of death itself and the other issue is dealing with honoring our fallen troops in a very partisan atmosphere. The partisan “you are for us or against us” mentality seems to be rearing its ugly head. War is not pretty and it does affect all of us.
This maybe myth but the town of Waterloo, NY claims to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. They celebrate it on May 30, just as OS noted that the late Sen. Inoye wished we would go back to. It is my understanding that there are a couple of other towns that claim to be the birth place of Memorial Day (you can look it up on the “Internet”).
My paternal grandfather served in WW 1 with the King’s Own Scottish Borders (yes he was Scots) but unfortunately I do not know much about his service. My dad served in the US Air Force in the late 50s-early 60s. We had an honor guard with a flag for his memorial service (no Taps) and when they folded the flag I bawled. It really hit me hard. My brother retired from the US Army after 23 1/2 years of service. He had a few close calls but he lost many comrades during his tours in Iraq.
We really have lost want this day means in honoring our fallen service men ans women. I will be going to a parade later this morning. The local politicaticians will walk the route, smile, and wave to the crowd. The fire trucks will be shiney and loud, the bands playing patriotic tunes and everyone will have a good time. We’ll put our flags out. We’ll go home and have our BBQ’s, socialize and probably forget to really remember why this day is important.
Facing It
by Yusef Komunyakaa
http://www.davidwblight.com/memorial.htm “The First Decoration Day”
Otteray,
In 2001, I was one of 50 participants in the first Favorite Poem Project’s Summer Poetry Institute for teachers at Boston University. One of the videos/poems that touched me most was Dulce et Decorum Est.
Dulce et Decorum Est (Favorite Poem Project)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMxeHgBE7ws
*****
Many American military men and women have served their country honorably during wartime. My father served in the army during WW II. One of my husband’s uncles served under General Patton. He witnessed the liberation of a death camp.
OS:
Simply superbly done but I do take one small issue. As I strolled through the cemetery yesterday I certainly felt the sadness of the families but there was some joy,too. Maybe it was the joy that comes from knowing that we are from hearty and compassionate stock fully willing to sacrifice all that we have for sake of our loved ones. It’s the strange joy Londoners felt during the Blitz. A knowledge that you were made from heroes and somehow can be a hero yourself and true to your lineage. Happy Memorial Day!
Inspiration comes from the oddest and least expected of places. Once I found myself reading a technical book on language by Umberto Eco entitled A Theory of Semiotics (1979). On the subject of metaphor, professor Eco wrote that the term “warrior” carries the connotations of “fierceness,” “courage,” “pride,” and “victory,” but can just as easily carry antonymous connotations of “fear,” “sorrow,” “shame,” and “defeat.” Which connotations apply depends mostly upon whether a country views its warriors as “winners” or “losers.”
At any rate, Professor Eco also said that one could “associate a warrior metaphorically with a “scapegoat” (as a “moriturus” by definition), so that an army of warriors may be defined as ‘the scapegoats of the King’s ambitions.'” Immediately after reading that remarkable phrase, a similar one came to me: “Hostage to the Prince’s crime.” After that, Vietnam came back to me in a rush and did not let go of me until I had finished:
Dedicated to all the Vietnamese (North and South) who lost their lives, limbs, homes, and futures so that Americans could feel good about themselves braying reactionary crusader slogans like, “Better Dead than Red.”
Dedicated to the officers and crew of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln who eagerly and credulously offered up themselves and their ship as pathetic political propaganda backdrops for President George “Deputy Dubya” Bush’s infamous “Top Gun” flight deck dance proclaiming “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq — just as “this crusade, this war on terror” began to horribly unravel. I never felt so ashamed of the U.S. Navy in all my life.
Anyway:
Another hat-tip to the welcome return of the Vietnam Syndrome on this Memorial Day.
From Sheldon Wolin’s masterful Democracy, Inc.: Managed Democracy and the Specter of Inverted Totalitarianism
That American parents now view military conscription by their own government as a greater threat than Al Qaeda seems like progress to me. So this Memorial Day, I will remember the hard-won return of the Vietnam Syndrome and the passage of the 26th Amendment giving 18-year-old Americans the vote and thus a voice in their own future, one that millions of young men in my generation never had.
AY, I missed the exchange you were referring to. Found it. LK really did go off. Unusual.
AY, Sorry for misunderstanding. I make so many typos I projected. 🙂
RWL 1, May 27, 2013 at 12:10 am
Matt J.,
Don’t go that route. There are too many females on this blog for you to start comparing women being the perpetrators of military rape & women being the victim of military rape. Stop while you are ahead.
———————————————————————————————– I’m already ahead.
RWL 1, May 26, 2013 at 11:53 pm
Matt J said “With regard to your conduct in the military, in the U.S. it’s the Uniform Code Of Military Justice. You’re also subject to civilian law.
There are those few who are not good, but that exists everywhere.”
I was referring to the record number of women who have been raped while serving our country, and received no justice from the US Military Courts or US Civilian courts. See following articles on this:
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Justice is blind. Correct? Maybe you haven’t seen the Supreme Court link I’ve posted here a few times. In my case the perpetrator was female.
Matt J.,
Don’t go that route. There are too many females on this blog for you to start comparing women being the perpetrators of military rape & women being the victim of military rape. Stop while you are ahead.
FYI. This year while placing flowers on graves, we finally decided to ask why one of my many uncles who is a WW II vet, never has the flag placed on his grave. We found out that the cemetery where he is buried doesn’t recognize the “old style” white granite headstone (like you see at Arlington) but instead use the bronze foot markers to identify vets and place flags. We were also told that we could contact our local funeral home and request the foot markers (as he called them) be placed at no cost since he was a vet.
You too can do this.
One of the many “Good” govt programs I support!