Origins of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. It was established after the Civil War and was officially recognized in 1971.

Early Beginnings:

• The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the years following the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more lives than any other conflict in U.S. history. This led to the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries.
• According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, one of the earliest commemorations was organized by formerly enslaved African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865. They honored fallen Union soldiers, showing gratitude for the liberation from slavery.

1. Decoration Day:

   • On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. "The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion," he proclaimed.
   • The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle.

2. Federal Recognition:

   • By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. States in the North and South observed it to honor fallen soldiers.
   • The name gradually changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day, and it became a time to honor all American military personnel who died in all wars.
   • In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

The Forgotten Role of Women in Military Service

Throughout history, women's contributions to military efforts have often been overlooked. Women have played various roles, from direct combat to essential support services, demonstrating bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.

Civil War:

1. Nurses and Caregivers:

   • During the Civil War, thousands of women served as nurses, providing critical care to wounded soldiers. Clara Barton, who later founded the American Red Cross, was one of the most famous nurses of this era.
   • Women also worked as laundresses, cooks, and matrons, ensuring the well-being of troops. Dorothea Dix was appointed Superintendent of Army Nurses by the Union Army, overseeing the recruitment and management of nurses.

2. Spies and Soldiers:

   • Some women served as spies, such as Harriet Tubman, who also led raids to free enslaved people.
   • Women like Sarah Emma Edmonds disguised themselves as men to serve as soldiers.

World War I and II:

1. Military Corps:

   • In World War I, women served in the Army Nurse Corps and Navy Nurse Corps. Over 20,000 women served as nurses, and many were deployed near the front lines.
   • In World War II, the establishment of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), and other branches marked significant milestones. More than 150,000 American women served in WACs during WWII.

2. Support Roles:

   • Women took on roles as mechanics, drivers, radio operators, and clerks. They filled critical positions left vacant by men who had gone to fight, proving their capability in various technical and skilled jobs.

3. Combat and Recognition:

   • Although officially barred from combat, many women found themselves in dangerous situations. The contributions of WASPs, who flew non-combat missions to free up male pilots for combat roles, were finally recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009.

Vietnam and Beyond:

1. Vietnam War:

   • During the Vietnam War, approximately 11,000 American military women were stationed in Vietnam, nearly all of them volunteers. They served as nurses, physicians, air traffic controllers, intelligence officers, and clerks.

2. Integration and Modern Era:

   • In subsequent conflicts such as the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, women have served in various capacities, including direct combat roles since the policy change in 2013.

Women's Memorials and Honors:

• The Women in Military Service for America Memorial, located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, honors all women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It serves as a reminder of the diverse and critical roles women have played in military history.

How Women Can Organize and Mobilize

Organizing and Networking:

1. Forming Alliances: Women can join organizations dedicated to preserving women's history in the military, such as the Women’s Memorial Foundation, and advocacy groups like the National Organization for Women (NOW).
2. Community Engagement: Host local events, workshops, and forums to educate the public about the historical and ongoing contributions of women in the military.

Education and Advocacy:

1. Informing and Educating: Utilize social media, blogs, and public speaking opportunities to raise awareness about women's military contributions and current challenges.
2. Advocacy for Rights: Support policies that protect and enhance women's rights in the military, such as equal opportunities, recognition of service, and healthcare, including reproductive rights.

Political Participation:

1. Voter Registration and Turnout: Organize voter registration drives and GOTV campaigns to ensure high participation rates, especially among women and marginalized communities.
2. Supporting Pro-Democracy Candidates: Campaign for candidates who prioritize democratic values and the protection of women’s rights.

Legal Action and Support:

1. Challenging Suppressive Laws: Collaborate with legal organizations to challenge policies that undermine voting rights and women’s reproductive rights.
2. Supporting Litigation Efforts: Back groups engaged in litigation to protect civil liberties and women's rights, like the ACLU and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Conclusion

Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel. Women have played and continue to play indispensable roles in these efforts, from the Civil War to present-day conflicts. By organizing, educating, and mobilizing, women can ensure that their contributions are recognized and that their rights are protected against any regressive political efforts.

For more detailed information, you can visit resources like the Department of Veterans Affairs, History.com, and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.