There are many activities that we associate with Memorial Day; BBQ’s, pool parties, family gatherings, games, visiting grave sites, and so on… A few years ago, I came across a very well written news article about Memorial Day that enlightened me about the early history of this holiday. 

The original title of the holiday was “Decoration Day” and was initially created by Gen. John Logan in 1868 to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. May 30th was picked as the date of remembrance as it was anticipated that flowers would be in full bloom across the country. The first “Decoration Day” included saying prayers, singing hymns, and spreading flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Gen. Logan wrote, “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners.”

Fast forward a few years. The focus on Civil War soldiers changed to deceased soldiers of all wars after World War I.  The term “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882. But it wasn’t until after World War II that we started to use the name Memorial Day as the official title for this holiday.

The final point of the Scout Law is Reverent. I feel that this is no coincidence. We tend to remember most the first and last thing when Mom or Dad give us a list of chores to do, or items to gather. All the points of the Scout Law are important. But having reverent as the last point is a wonderful bookend to a list of points that will help you become a better version of yourself. Being reverent can simply be accomplished by standing by an unknown soldier’s headstone and paying tribute to him or her for their services to protect our freedoms.

On this day, we as Scouts across the nation have and will participate in flag ceremonies, decorating soldier’s headstones with small American Flags, and (for those select few buglers) participate in playing taps at the cemetery.

We invite you to have a safe and enjoyable time on this three day weekend. And invite you to take some time, and in your own way by being REVERENT, pay tribute to those who have gone before us as you practice the last point of the Scout Law.