The origins of Memorial Day

[L Verge]

I'm sitting here feeling a little nostalgic and quite a bit guilty. We have a small family cemetery, and my father is the only veteran buried there (having served in the military for twenty-six years through both WWII and Korea). Every year since his death in 1979, my mother and I and my daughter would visit his grave and place peonies from our yards and a small American flag at his marker.

My mother passed away in 2009, but my daughter and grandson did it until this year. They were away for a wedding event, and my knees just could not make the trip. I did remember to tell him that I love him and to thank him for his service to our country.

If you are like me and enjoy first-hand accounts, go to this site: http://www.civilwarcenter.olemiss.edu/me..._day.shtml