What to do for this memorial day
In many different cultures, and in many different ways, we celebrate those who have died before us. Here in the United States, people choose to bury there loved ones or perhaps cremate those that have died and spread or bury there ashes. Many other cultures do many other things. Bury or cremating loved ones is not a one and done event. We are going to explore the importance of Memorial Day.
The Start of Memorial Day
Memorial Day started as "Decoration Day" and was called for to decorate soldiers caskets after the civil war back in 1868. The last Monday of may was adopted in the early Northern States as the day to celebrate Decoration Day. After the World Wars, it become a National Holiday in 1971 as a day to remember those who had fallen in past wars.
How We Celebrate Memorial Day Today
In many parts of the United States, mourners assemble around their fallen loved ones headstones. Although this is not limited to those fallen from any internal or external conflict, it has morphed into a day or remembrance for all of those who have passed on from this life.
This is manifested at cemeteries where flowers are laid or perhaps a flag is planted, designating the service in the military. In some cultures present in the united states, memorial day could be a family gathering around their deceased and they choose to celebrate with a feast. While others cultures are strictly mournful on this day.
However your culture mourns or celebrates their loved ones, the diverse aspect is what makes the United States what it is. A melting pot of opinion.
How our Family Celebrates Memorial Day
A lot of families choose to gather on this day and enjoy a BBQ. We have done this in the past and do it from time to time, this is not a tradition.
One tradition that we do have is to clean the headstones of loved ones that have passed. We usually choose one in our area and make the effort to cut the grass from the edges, wipe away the dirt and apply mineral spirits or baby oil to the head stone to brighten it up.
This is our best effort on how to clean a headstone. Year after year while doing this has kept the headstone looking nice and allowed our family to learn to appreciate our ancestors.
Steps for Cleaning a Headstone
Use a pull saw to cut around the edge of the head stone.
Use a hard bristled plastic bush to scrape the hard dirt from the cracks
Remove all large pieces of dirt with a handheld broom.
Apply water and rinse the headstone.
Use a soft cloth to wipe away the fine dirt.
Let the water dry
Apply mineral spirits or baby oil.
Rub the oil or spirits with a soft cloth over the headstone.
It is that easy.
However You Choose To Celebrate
Each family has their own routine or tradition around celebrating the ones that they love. From gathering to mourning independently there are a lot of options.
If you are able, gather with a loved one. I met a man just this last Saturday who was a cemetery remembering his Mother who had died three years ago and his brother who had died just earlier this year. He was the only surviving member of his family. He found joy in visiting the cemetery. I know others who celebrate by participating in Military Memorials. Some do not celebrate their ancestors but choose to celebrate with food and gathering. Others choose to gather and talk about those who have died before and have a big meal.
This memorial day, I wish peace on your family as you celebrate or mourn in your own way. May the memory of your loved ones never fade from your lives and may the peace of our Savior Jesus Christ comfort your family.