Exploring the history of Memorial Day

FALLS VILLAGE — The sun started to come out about 9:15 a.m., just in time to create a nice humid glow for the Memorial Day program in Falls Village on Monday, May 30.“It’s a little gloomy,” said First Selectman Pat Mechare in opening the ceremonies, “but the meaning of Memorial Day remains the same.”Fred Petersen delivered the keynote address. Petersen, from a military family, discussed the history of Memorial Day, from its origins as a commemoration of the dead of the Civil War on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. He also touched on the subject of the ubiquitous little red poppies sold in front of supermarkets by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at this time of year.He said the practice began in 1915, inspired by one Moina Michael, who was in turn inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” a World War I poem written by a Canadian, Lt. Col. John McRae.Michael penned a response to the McRae poem and came up with the idea to sell the poppies, with the receipts going to veterans in need. The VFW picked up the practice in 1922.“If you see somebody selling poppies, buy one. It’s worth it,” Petersen said, holding one up.He talked about the different ways Americans honor those who have died for their country, describing the Arlington National Cemetery as “an awesome sight.”“Rows and rows of white markers. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s inspiring.”He mentioned the Boy and Girl Scouts in St. Louis, Mo., who tend to 150,000 graves at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, and, in Falls Village, the efforts of Betty Tyburski, who has been replacing the old flags at the town’s cemeteries for 41 years.“We owe her a debt of gratitude for her dedication.”He then asked that everyone join in a national moment of silence at 3 p.m., “to reflect and to honor those who gave their all for our country.”Bishop Cyril Wismar read the invocation and benediction and Selectman Peter Lawson gave Lou Timolat the 2011 Community Service Award.

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