Home»Memorial Day ~ 2013

Central Texas Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Killeen, Texas


27 May 2013


Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those men and women who have died in our nation's service. It was originally known as Decoration Day and was perhaps our most solemn holiday. Memorial Day was established by a General Order issued by the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
But the solemnity of the occasion has steadily declined in recent times. It is now seen as the beginning of summer....celebrated with parades ... picnics ... fun and games ... and three-day sales.
As recounted in an internet history of the holiday, "Traditional observance ....has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day" (half-staff until noon, full staff thereafter).
The change started taking place after Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971, which made the day into a three-day weekend. As a statement by the Veterans of Foreign Wars proclaimed, "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."
Bills have been introduced in Congress to restore May 30 as a one-day observance of Memorial Day, but with little success.


GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN

I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

(Chorus)
So, go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels' faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

So, go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son

(Instrumental)

Go rest high on that mountain
Cause, son your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son

Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son

~ Vince Gill