A History and Celebration Of America’s Fallen Warriors
On Monday, May 30, the Veterans of Foreign Wars will host what has become an annual tradition in Coronado and across the nation – celebrating the men and women who fell while keeping this country safe.
Memorial Day celebrations in Coronado are always well-attended, and it's no wonder. The military has had a presence here since the 1800s. Photo by Joe Ditler.
The Memorial Day tribute takes place at Star Park at 10 a.m., but what do we really know of the history of this emotional and patriotic tribute to our fallen armed forces?
This year’s invocation will be delivered by Lt. Cmdr. Scott Adams of the US Navy Chaplain Corps. As the Colors are retired, long-time Coronado resident Sgt. Maj. John Clampitt, will stand and deliver General John A. Logan's Memorial Day Order, “General Order No. 11.”
This traditional speech, as presented by John Clampitt, will explain how Waterloo, New York is given official recognition as the birthplace of what was then called “Declaration Day,” as he builds into a dramatic telling of the “why” of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is a family affair in Coronado, made possible by the Coronado Post 2422 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Even the children, while not fully understanding the history and magnitude of this event, get caught up in the spirt of the gathering. Photo by Joe Ditler.
That first service was held May 5, 1866, and over so many years, decades and centuries, the spirit of Memorial Day has not been forgotten, even if the details of it might have faded a little with time.
The celebration of Memorial Day went national when, in 1868, Major General John A. Logan, Commander of a national organization of Union veterans called “The Grand Army of the Republic,” took the local observances nationwide with his “General Order No. 11.”
That order officially designated the 30th day of May for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during “the late rebellion” (the Civil War).
Logan’s letter continued to say, “We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose, among other things, ‘of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors and Marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.’”
What came next in Logan’s letter has become the foundation of pride that reverberates even today. Logan asked in his letter, “What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes?
“Their soldier lives were the Reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders.”
This abbreviated text from Major General Logan’s letter has survived the gauntlet of time. But more so, the spirit of his letter continues to resonate across this country as we prepare to celebrate the memory of our fallen military May 30. Star Park will be just such a celebration.
The Honor Guard stands at ease at last year's Memorial Day celebration. In the foreground, a small American flag, put there by a six-year-old child, flies proudly in the breeze. Photo by Joe Ditler.
Following the Star Park salute everyone is invited to attend a floral tribute and refreshments at the VFW Hall, located at 557 Orange Avenue.
While at the VFW Hall, visitors can take time to reflect on the Salute To Service Memorial Wall. Many Coronado veterans and veteran families have chosen to be remembered in this respectful tribute by purchasing their place on the Memorial Wall.
Coronado Post 2422 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars has announced there are still spaces available on the Memorial Wall. The wall memorializes time spent by the individual in the service. Retired, active and deceased military are eligible.
For more information on the Coronado VFW Memorial Service May 30 and the Salute To Service Wall, contact Michael Turner at (619) 865-4809 or mturner003@san.rr.com.
Lt. Cmdr. Michael Turner of Coronado post 2422-Veterans of Foreign Wars, places a floral tribute on the Memorial Platform beneath the flagpole at last year’s ceremony. Photo by Mike Coleman.
Written by Joe Ditler and Part-Time PR
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