During some of those early observances of Decoration Day, Oliver Wendell Holmes was the speaker. In his remarks he expressed sympathy and admiration for those who fought on both sides of the Civil War. On both sides, men fought for ideals they truly believed in. And he also made a point of paying tribute to wives and families of deceased soldiers. It wasn’t only the still living soldiers who had a right to grieve for their fallen comrades. Mr. Holmes also made another point, and that was that such a day to remember and honor our war dead is also for civilians. In a way, they served on the home front, and in a very real way, their comrades died on the battlefront too. OWH spoke for an inclusive observance, an entire nation of people to take time one day a year to pay tribute to fallen service men and women. Wouldn't it be swell if we did that. I don't think the spirits of those we would honor expect all of us to feel the same fervor as the 10,000 blacks felt in Charleston 150 years ago. I think the spirits of the fallen would be pleased with a moment's pause and a quiet "Thank you for your sacrifice."
During some of those early observances of Decoration Day, Oliver Wendell Holmes was the speaker. In his remarks he expressed sympathy and admiration for those who fought on both sides of the Civil War. On both sides, men fought for ideals they truly believed in. And he also made a point of paying tribute to wives and families of deceased soldiers. It wasn’t only the still living soldiers who had a right to grieve for their fallen comrades. Mr. Holmes also made another point, and that was that such a day to remember and honor our war dead is also for civilians. In a way, they served on the home front, and in a very real way, their comrades died on the battlefront too. OWH spoke for an inclusive observance, an entire nation of people to take time one day a year to pay tribute to fallen service men and women. Wouldn't it be swell if we did that. I don't think the spirits of those we would honor expect all of us to feel the same fervor as the 10,000 blacks felt in Charleston 150 years ago. I think the spirits of the fallen would be pleased with a moment's pause and a quiet "Thank you for your sacrifice."
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John Zerr is the author of four novels, The Ensign Locker, Sundown Town Duty Station, Noble Deeds, and The Happy Life of Preston Katt.
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May 2018
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