May 25, 2002

This weekend marks the beginning of Summer. The summer begins with Memorial Day regardless of the fact that the summer solstice falls on June 21, this year. And Summer ends on Labor Day regardless of the fact that the autumnal equinox falls on September 23rd.

In some areas of our country, churches alter their summer Sunday schedules because of the vacation habits of their members that begin on Memorial Day and continue until Labor Day.

Memorial Day began in 1868, when Gen. John A. Logan, commander in chief of Army of the Republic, designated May 30, as a day for decorating the graves of men who had fallen in the Civil War. Since World War I the date has been used to commemorate the dead of all wars.

Could there be good family experiences around this holiday? Well, for sure, when the family gets away from its usual routine and has time together, it is almost guaranteed to pay rich dividends. But I have something more in mind. What about remembering family members who have given their lives in the service of our country. Their story could again be told in the family circle as a way of remembering them and their sacrifice. If their grave is near by, flowers could be used to decorate and remember.

In my family, four have given their lives in our country's wars: a great-great uncle, great uncle, uncle, and cousin - the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War, respectively. I don't know whether all of my relatives believed in what their country called upon them to do or not. William Atkinson may or may not have thought the South's cause was a just one. Clyde Meece may or may not have thought boys from the United States should be trying to liberate France. But they did what their country asked of them and they set in motion a patriotic tradition for all of us who have followed. And for this Janell and I are grateful. We have a goodly heritage.

Sometime during this weekend, Janell and I are going to welcome the newest granddaughter to the Atkinson clan. And in the midst of the celebrating, we will remember and be grateful for the sacrifice of our family members and more.

Memorial Day - It is a time of remembering - remembering those who have died in our country's wars. Use some portion of the weekend to pay tribute to your family members who have died in the service of their country.