Monday is Memorial Day - Books by Eric Douglas

Memorial Day signals the start of summer. It’s a chance to spend time with family and friends. There are cookouts, parties and festivals. It is a long weekend of celebration, a federal holiday since 1971.

The roots of Memorial Day are somewhat different, though. It was originally called Decoration Day and was intended as a day to decorate the graves of soldiers who died in the Civil War, for both the North and the South, at Arlington National Cemetery. After World War I it morphed into a day to remember those who lost their lives fighting in any war for the United States. More recently, it has become a day for some to remember and decorate the graves of anyone who has died, whether it was in service to the country or not.

I have no issue with people taking the day to remember everyone who has died on Memorial Day. I’m fortunate in that no one in my family died in service to this country; no aunts, uncles, cousins or grandparents. That said, I still think it’s important to remember what Memorial Day is all about and take a moment to say remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The saying goes that “Freedom isn’t Free” and many men and women over the years have given themselves completely so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have.

Next Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day, I’m premiering my documentary West Virginia Voices of War. I wanted to have the premiere close to Memorial Day, but I didn’t want it to interfere with the holiday. I wanted people to have time with their families. On Memorial Day, I’ll be on the Dave Weekley radio show Hotline from 4 to 5 pm talking about the documentary and airing some portions of it. I’m not a veteran, but I have tremendous respect for those who have served. The West Virginia Voices of War project is my way to remember and say Thank you.

Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy your weekend. I plan to be out taking in live music all weekend at Live on the Levee tonight and at the Vandalia Festival on the Capitol Grounds over the weekend. In the midst of that celebration and family gathering, take a moment to think about what the holiday is all about and say Thanks.

If you get a chance, come out and join me at the premiere on Tuesday!.