The end of the American Civil War arrived in 1865. The United States was finally at peace after four brutal years of conflict. The end of the war brought peace on the battlefield, but the terrible loss experienced during the war was felt in every community in the United States. By the war’s end, over 600,000 men had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Not long after the end of the war, Henry Welles, a druggist in Waterloo, New York, approached several members of the community, including General John B. Murray, with the hope of finding a way to not only praise the living who had fought in the war, but to honor those who had given their lives in service to the cause. It was in May of 1866 that the first Memorial Day, known then as Decoration Day, was celebrated. Veterans and community members gathered at the local cemetery and decorated the graves of the fallen soldiers. Almost a century later, in 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by act of congress.
Henry Welles helped to start a national movement of gratitude. While our nation was just beginning to recover from the terrible effects of the war, he helped to promote a day of gratitude for those who had given their lives. Henry Welles’ work to show gratitude continues today as we take time to express our national gratitude.
Memorial Day is a time that is set aside to remember our brave men and women in the military who have given their lives in service to our country. It is a day to give thanks for their service and be grateful that there are those who have sacrificed so much so that we may enjoy such a great freedom.
On this Memorial Day, I hope you will take time to remember and be grateful for those who fought bravely so that peace and freedom may be possible. Remember their families as well, who sacrificed much in the absence of their loved ones. Today, I also encourage you to give thanks for those who are actively serving in our military and, on their behalf, pray for peace.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
