My family, like many, will grill steaks and hot dogs on
Memorial Day. If the weather is nice, we may go to the pool. If it’s raining,
we’ll probably play an epic battle of Trivial Pursuit. No matter what we do or
eat, there will be one man in our hearts and minds all day. Uncle Brian—as my
children call him. He was my brother-in-law. My husband’s brother. And Nana and
Poppy’s (or McParents—as I call them) beloved son. MSgt Brian P. McAnulty is what is on
his grave.
I heard some “fun facts” about Memorial Day on the radio
today (as I drove around buying groceries for our cook out). I just wanted to share them so as everyone
enjoys their day, we all take a moment to remember the reason behind the
holiday.
Decoration Day
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day—a
time when women’s groups in the south decorated graves of the fallen from the
Civil War. Exact origins are unknown and highly debated.
May 5, 1868
General John Logan declared Decoration Day as May 30. Flowers
were to be placed on the grave of Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington.
May 30
This is the tradition/original day of observance for
Memorial Day. In 1971, the government changed the date to create a 3-day week end.
Waterloo, NY
In May 1966, Lyndon Johnson declared this the birth place of
Memorial Day. Waterloo celebrated its first Memorial Day on May 5, 1866.
Last Monday in May
It’s the unofficial beginning of summer. And since 1911, it's the week end (not the day) of the Indy 500.
1971
It became an official Federal Holiday in 1971. (No mail. No
banks.) Also the year it changed from the 30th to the last Monday. (As previously mentioned.)
WWI
It wasn’t until after WWI that Memorial Day included all
soldiers killed in conflict. Until this time it was to remember soldiers from
the Civil War.
The Flag
The US Flag should be at half-staff from sun-up until noon.
3:00PM
In 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance was passed. It
asks all Americans to take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of
remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of
silence or listening to Taps.”
I hope everyone enjoys their Memorial Day. I will. I hope
everyone had family and friends to share it with. I will. And I hope everyone
take a moment at 3PM to remember the fallen. I will.
We miss you, Uncle Brian. And we think about you every day. We
send our love.
 | |
| MSgt Brian McAnulty |
 |
| Memorial in Iraq |
I served with Brian and I still think about him from time to time. Really really good guy… God bless your family
ReplyDeleteI often think of Brian McAnulty. We served together in Weapons Company, Anti-Armour Platoon, of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines back around 1998 to early 2001.
ReplyDeleteBut every year on this date, I like to remember how blessed I was to have served with him, and others like him.
Back then, Brian was a Staff Sergeant. Jennifer (my wife) and I "double dated" a couple of times with Brian and a girlfriend of his ("Izzy"). Aside from being an honourable man and Marine. Brian was one of the most intelligent people I've ever had the pleasure of being around. His sense of humour often alleviated the tension and boredom.
When next you see his parents, do pass along my thanks.
Regards,
Ron Jones
This was the worst day of my life.
ReplyDeleteHe knew all his Marines and knew them on a personal level whenever he'd speek there would be a crowd around him sincerely interested in what was being said. We had the most hilarious conversations I can ever recall and they are deeply engraved in my memory.
ReplyDelete