"Why Decoration Day"

Claire Doll
MSMU Class of 2024

(5/2024) It’s our staff meeting in April, five o’clock in the library. The sun pokes its golden rays into the window, and around us, college students are busy at work, studying or reading or talking. Your trusted News-Journal staff sits in a circle, discussing our goals for the next edition, when editor Mike Hillman asks this question. Silence spills upon us, and we all exchange puzzled looks.

"Is it—a day celebrating decorations?" someone asks, and it might’ve been me. After some scattered laughter from the staff, Mike shakes his head. "Anyone else?" he asks.

When we’re all quiet, he tells us to Google Decoration Day. We race to our phones like it’s some competition, and after quickly typing in the words, we fall upon a very familiar term: Memorial Day. Memorial Day? And then it hits me: It’s about to be May, and Memorial Day is in May, and Mike wants us to write about Decoration Day, but why was it even called Decoration Day if we never use that name anymore?

When I think of Memorial Day, I think of pools opening in the summer, and blue chlorinated water, and too many children swimming in circles. I think of cookouts and days off and hot dogs. And honestly, I will fully admit: the purpose of Memorial Day rarely crosses my mind on this occasion. I’m too busy prepping for the cookouts or planning to enjoy the beautiful weather.

But why Decoration Day? American Battle Monuments Commission says, "The 30th Day of May 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in the defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land." The idea of "decoration" has to do with the graves of those who so willingly gave their lives to fight for our countries. Immediately after learning this definition, I’m sent back to my childhood, when my grandmother would take my sister and me on drives to the cemetery. On bright, blue-skyed days, the graves would be adorned with flowers, little bursts of colors that distinguish each gravestone.

I had a conversation about this concept with a friend. Why are cemeteries deemed as scary? Why do we think they’re haunted, and that we must stay away from them? Cemeteries are beautiful, sacred places where we can connect with our loved ones, physically and in the most human way possible, beyond their deaths.

So, why is the holiday not called "Decoration Day" anymore?

American Battle Monuments Commission continues by saying, "Over the years, the meaning of Decoration Day evolved, gradually expanding from a commemoration of Civil War dead, into a day to honor fallen members of the American armed forces from all wars." While the embodiment of the holiday remains, we continue to expand upon its meaning through constant and present reflection. In a way, it’s heartening to know that Memorial Day immediately manifests honor, celebration, and remembrance.

ROTC Cadet at the Mount, Junior Lorenzo DiVentura, echoes this meaning in his work with his service to our country in his collegiate years. Although Memorial Day falls outside of the academic calendar, DiVentura is still heavily involved in acts of service on the holiday. "I’ve volunteered with my local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) to participate in firing parties at cemeteries and parades for Memorial Day," he says. DiVentura joined ROTC not only because the military has always been a solid, reliable option for his future, but also because his great-grandparents and cousins have served at one time or another and have inspired him to continue doing so. "My plans are to commission with the PA National Guard, and then find a civilian job from there," he says.

But above all, he argues that knowing the history of Memorial Day is extremely significant. "Knowing the meaning of Memorial Day is important because the 3-day weekend and BBQs don’t come from nowhere; thousands of tombstones came first," DiVentura says. This Memorial Day, he plans to continue remembering those who have served and lost their lives for our country.

So, does it matter what we call Memorial Day, so long as we implement its values? While the name "Decoration Day" is a beautiful ode to the flower-adorned graves and the humanely connection we have with cemeteries, "Memorial Day" also encompasses the innate and important value to remember.

On Monday, May 27th, do these things in addition to your cookouts and pool days: Visit your local veterans cemetery and lay flowers on the graves—to those you don’t know, and to those you do. Call a family member who once served, and thank them. Read stories and articles about those who have passed, and truly, truly dwell on what this day was originally for. I promise, there are ample days in May to swim or host a barbeque. For those who gave their lives, the very least we can do is exchange a couple hours of thoughts, prayers, and reflections in return.

To close this article, I’d like to personally thank Cadet Lorenzo DiVentura and the rest of the Mount St. Mary’s University ROTC Cadets for their promise to our country and their mission to make days like Memorial Day full of remembrance and honor.

The U.S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program, offered at Mount St. Mary’s University, partners with the military science department at McDaniel College to provide a military pathway post-graduation. Many ROTC cadets, including DiVentura, are guaranteed jobs following their service and have spent their time at the Mount taking regular classes alongside ROTC Advanced Courses. The cadets have developed values of challenge, competition while building meaningful skills that will last for life.

Read other articles by Claire Doll