Rich Bennett on the True Meaning of Memorial Day

In this powerful solo episode, Rich Bennett reflects on the true meaning of Memorial Day, a day too often overshadowed by cookouts and beach trips. Tracing its roots from the Civil War to today, Rich shares moving historical insights, ways to meaningfully honor the fallen, and why remembrance is vital in preserving the freedoms we often take for granted. This heartfelt tribute is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and respect the real significance of this national holiday.

Guest: Rich Bennett

Rich Bennett is a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and the host of the top-ranked podcast Conversations with Rich Bennett. With a commitment to real conversations and community impact, Rich brings both heart and insight to every episode. His experience in the military adds personal depth to this Memorial Day reflection.

Main Topics:

·         The historical origins of Memorial Day (formerly Decoration Day)

·         The distinction between Memorial Day and Veterans Day

·         The 1865 Charleston commemoration by freed slaves

·         General John A. Logan and General Order No. 11

·         Transition of Memorial Day into a national holiday

·         Ways to meaningfully observe Memorial Day today

·         The emotional weight and responsibility of remembrance

·         Honoring Gold Star Families and the fallen

Resources mentioned:

·         Arlington National Cemetery

·         General John A. Logan’s General Order No. 11

·         The 1971 National Holiday Act

·         Gold Star Families (support organizations)

·         National Moment of Remembrance (3 PM local time on Memorial Day)

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction & Podcast Milestone
• 1:31 What Memorial Day Truly Means
• 2:41 The Origins: Decoration Day & Charleston 1865
• 4:06 General Logan’s Order and Early Observances
• 5:36 Memorial Day After WWI & Modern Changes
• 6:41 How to Meaningfully Observe Memorial Day
• 10:56 National Moment of Remembrance
• 11:31 Supporting Gold Star Families
• 12:36 Flag Etiquette on Memorial Day
• 13:46 Balancing Celebration and Remembrance
• 14:41 Final Thoughts & Call to Reflect

Transcript

Rich & Wendy 0:00
Hey, everyone is rich Bennett. Can you believe it? The show is turning 10 this year. I am so grateful for each and every one of you who've tuned in, shared an episode, or even joined the conversation over the years. You're the reason that this podcast has grown into what it is today. Together, we've shared laughs, tears, and moments that truly matter. So I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Let's make the next 10 years even better. Coming to you from the Freedom Federal Credit Union Studios, Hartford County Living presents Conversations with Rich Bennett. 

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Rich Bennett 1:00
Welcome to Conversations with Rich Bennett. Today, being the last Monday in May, our thoughts turn to a day of some remembrance, Memorial Day. It's a holiday many of us associate with barbecue's beach trips and the unofficial start of the summer. But beneath the celebratory facade lies a deeply meaningful purpose. One that we often overlook in our eagerness for a long weekend. So what is Memorial Day? It's not just another day off. It's a federal holiday in the United States for remembering and honoring military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The distinction is important. Veterans Day honors all who have served, while Memorial Day is specifically for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. So let's dive into its origins because understanding where it came from helps us appreciate its true significance. The roots of Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, are a bit complex. With various communities claiming to be the birthplace. What we do know is that following the devastating Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other, communities across both the North and South began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. One of the earliest and most well documented observances took place on May 1st, 

1865 in Charleston, South Carolina. A group of formerly enslaved people, along with some white missionaries and abolitionists, reinterred the bodies of union soldiers who had died in a Confederate prison camp. They then honored these soldiers with a parade of thousands decorating their graves. This powerful act of remembrance, born at a profound grief and gratitude truly set a precedent. However, the official birth of Decoration Day is often attributed to General John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. On May 5th, 1868, he issued General Order No. 11, calling for a nationwide day of remembrance. He stated, and I quote, "The 30th of May 1868 is designated for the purpose of stewing 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." 

The date of May 30th was chosen because it didn't coincide with any specific battle. The first large observance was held that same year at Arlington National Cemetery, where thousands gathered to decorate graves. For many years, Memorial Day was largely a Northern holiday. Southern states honored their dead on separate days. It wasn't until after World War I when the holiday evolved to commemorate all Americans who died fighting in any war that had begun to be observed more uniformly across the nation. In 1971, 

Congress passed the National Holiday Act which moved Memorial Day from May 30th to the last Monday in May, creating the three-day weekend we observed today. While this undowly made it more convenient for travel and recreation, some argue it also further distanced us from the holiday summit purpose. So how can we, in our modern lives, truly honor the spirit of Memorial Day? It goes beyond just a day off. It's about active remembrance. Here are a few ways we can observe Memorial Day with respect and gratitude it deserves. Visit the cemetery. If you have a national or local cemetery nearby, take some time to visit. See the rows of graves stones each representing a life cut shortened service to our country. Many communities also have events where volunteers place flags on graves. Participating in something like this can be incredibly moving. Attend a Memorial Day ceremony. Many towns and cities hold ceremonies or parades on Memorial Day. These events often include speeches, flag ceremonies, and tributes to fallen soldiers. It's a powerful way to join your community and remembering. If you insist on having a cookout or a party at your house, observe the National Movement of Remembrance. At 3pm local time on Memorial Day, the National Movement of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause for one minute of silence to remember those who have died in service. It's a simple act but a profound one. Educate yourself and others. Take the time to learn more about the history of Memorial Day. In the conflicts in which Americans have fought and died, share this knowledge with your children, friends, and family. Understanding the sacrifices made helps us appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and support military families. While Memorial Day is about remembering the fallen, it's also a time to acknowledge the enduring pain of their families. Consider supporting organizations that assist Gold Star Families. Those have lost a loved one in military service. And fly your flag respectfully. If you fly an American flag, if you can do this, remember to display it at half staff until noon on Memorial Day. Then raise it to full staff until sunset. This tradition symbolizes the nation's mourning for it's war dead during the morning. And then, it's resolved to continue the quest for peace in the afternoon. It's not about feeling guilty for enjoying the long weekend. Our fallen heroes fought for our freedoms. And enjoying those freedoms is, in a way, a testament to their sacrifice. But it is about finding a balance. It's about taking a moment, even just a few minutes, to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the immense cost of those freedoms. As we wrap up this episode, I want to leave you with a thought. 

Memorial Day is a reminder that freedom isn't free. It's been paid for with the lives of brave men and women throughout our history. Their sacrifices paved the way for the lives we lead today. So this Memorial Day, however you choose to spend it, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect, to remember, to honor, and to be grateful. Thank you for joining me. And if you found this episode meaningful, please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving us a review. Until next time, take care and let us never forget.