Memorial Day Remembrances 2024
By Christina Reed
The Hired Pen
“If you want to thank a soldier, be the kind of American worth fighting for”–Unknown
Eastern Sierra, CA—Memorial Day is one of our nation’s most important traditions, and it’s a federal holiday, for mourning and honoring military members, men and women who died while serving in our armed forces. “Decoration Day,” as it was called in the past, is a day to tend to grave sites, and it’s a day to reflect on those fallen soldiers. Take a moment to honor all of those military members who are no longer with us, and the nation will honor those military service men and women, with a National Moment of Silence, at 3 p.m., local time, on Monday, May 27, 2024. Attend one of the Memorial Day services, in many of our small towns in the eastern Sierra.
“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them”–Franklin D. Roosevelt
It’s Patriotic, But Don’t Wear the Flag
There are some symbols of Memorial Day which all of us can recognize and participate in, if you so choose / desire. Visiting a cemetery (there are 134 national cemeteries in the United States), or attending a parade, or buying a red poppy (red poppies represent resilience), or flying your American flag (properly), or observing the National Moment of Silence, on Monday, May 27, at 3 p.m., our local time.
It is not a celebration, so, wishing someone “Happy Memorial Day” is not appropriate. It’s a thoughtful, somber (serious) day to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s patriotic, but don’t wear the flag. Most folks don’t realize it’s not really appropriate to wear the flag, like it’s an American accessory, or decoration. (Source: 4 U.S. Code § 8) “The flag should not be worn as clothing, with the exception of patches for police, fire fighters, EMTs, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag should never be used as bedding, drapery, or worn as apparel.” And, it’s also not appropriate to serve food on disposable plates / napkins / or table cloths with the American flag on them. You can show your patriotism by wearing red, white, blue, or stars, and these outfits are considered appropriate displays for Memorial Day.
“Taps” and the Bugle Call
Mournful in sound, when “Taps” is played, it’s symbolic of the fallen and valor. Originating during the Civil War, Brigade General Daniel Butterfield (of the Union Army), asked the brigade bugler, Private Oliver Willcox Norton, to create a new “lights out” call. Many tries later, the 24-note, signature bugle call was played by Norton for Butterfield; he approved it (1862). The official “Army Taps” was popular on both sides of the Civil War (even Confederate buglers learned the call), and “Taps” became the U.S. Army’s official bugle call of ceremonies. Service members buried with military honors ends with a three round volley, and “Taps” played on a bugle or trumpet…with the mournful call echoing into the moment of silence.
Memorial Day Services
V.F.W. (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post #8988 will host the Memorial Day services on Monday, May 27, at 11 a.m., at the East Line Street Cemetery, Bishop, CA.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit #457 host parts of the Big Pine, CA, Memorial Day service, Monday, May 27, at 11 a.m., at Veterans’ Corner, US Highway 395 and State Route 168. Flags on display at the Big Pine Cemetery, 600 West Crocker Avenue, Big Pine, CA.
Lone Pine’s Comrades of V.F.W. Post #8036 will host a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 27, at 11 a.m., at the Mt. Whitney Cemetery, Lone Pine, CA. Lunch will be served following the ceremony at 481 South Main Street, Lone Pine, CA.
Independence, CA, May, 27, at the Independence Cemetery, 402 South Clay Street, Independence, CA.
Coleville, CA, May 27, at the Coleville Cemetery, Cunningham Lane, Coleville, CA.
Markleeville, CA, May 27, at the Markleeville Cemetery and the Silver Mountain Cemetery, Markleeville, CA.
There are also cemeteries in Benton, CA; Bodie, CA; Bridgeport, CA; Lee Vining, CA; Lundy, CA; Mono City, CA, and the Mount Morrison Cemetery, near Mammoth Lakes, CA.
¡Enhorabuena!