By Deborah Mandel
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31 May, 2021
Today’s post looks at an unexpected positive and powerful aspect of a writing group. This is Memorial Day, which you may not know originally was called Decoration Day and observed on May 30th. Decoration Day started shortly after the Civil War ended when the graves of soldiers who died during the Civil War were—yes, you have it right—decorated to honor them. While Decoration Day was observed prior to 1868, it was officially declared a holiday then by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan who said: The 30th day 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, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. * I never knew this bit of history about Memorial Day until we began editing one writing group member’s book. While Claire’s book is primarily about her husband’s great-great aunt, Georgiana, it takes place in part during the Civil War. The book includes letters written by Georgiana’s father, Abner, which he wrote from various battlefields during the war, including Gettysburg. Despite blazingly hot days, freezing winter days, and rain drenched days, despite never being adequately clothed, frequently having no roof over his head at night, and on several occasions with bullets whizzing feet above his head, he faithfully wrote home to his family. And for the most part, he did so with humility and grace and optimism as he fought for the freedom of Blacks. For all the history classes I took, all the movies I saw, all the books I read, nothing brought home the reality of this war as did his letters. So this morning, because of my writing group, I woke predawn to be at the flagpole of our condominium complex to lower the flag to half-staff at 5:19 a.m. While I’ve always enjoyed flag duty—first learned during my years in Girl Scout camp—the flag would be raised or lowered at my convenience. And never at such an early sunrise. Especially on a 45 degree, wet spring morning. But how could I, in good conscience, not walk ten minutes on a damp, cool morning to appropriately honor the men and women who have sacrificed all for our country? Abner would have thought the day quite mild. I had to do it. The power of a writing group. And the power of those Civil War letters preserved for posterity that demonstrate a commitment to do what is right despite the difficult and treacherous conditions. And demonstrate as well, the commitment to write despite these same difficult and treacherous conditions. Thank you to all the fallen women and men who have served this country. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/5-facts-about-memorial-day-and-meaning/2521561/ Photo: D. Mandel