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Memorial Day Linking Pin Sonnet (May 26, 2025)
Memorial Day in America is also known as Armed Forces Day. It is a special day to honor our soldiers and their sacrifices. It’s usually observed on the last Monday in May, marking the beginning of summer in the USA, and is officially recognized as a national holiday. President Johnson designated Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966, making it the first formally observed holiday.
Historically, the first national observance of Memorial Day took place on May 30, 1868, known as Decoration Day. The holiday was established by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who lost their lives in the American Civil War. Many claimed to be the first to commemorate the holiday; however, the National Cemetery Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams with the idea of placing flowers on the graves of every soldier in respect.
In 1968, Congress moved its observance to the last Monday in May, and in 1971, standardized its name to “Memorial Day.”
These are just a few countries that celebrate Memorial Day, which stems from World War I and II, and other conflicts on different days. For example:
- Nigeria celebrates Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15.
- Turkey celebrates Martyrs' Day on March 18th.
- New Zealand and Australia commemorate Anzac Day on April 25.
- Mexico celebrates Cinco De Mayo on May 5.
- Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9.
- Balkan countries celebrate on May 9.
- South Korea celebrates on June 6.
- India celebrates Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14.
- Italy commemorates Armed Forces and National Unity Day on November 4.
- The United Kingdom celebrates on November 11.
- France observes Armistice Day on November 11.
- Canada honors Remembrance Day on November 11.
Honoring our fallen heroes in conflicts is one of our greatest tributes to them and their loved ones for their service to humanity. The day is typically observed with national and local events such as parades, ceremonies, special services, lowering the flag to half-staff in their honor, and wearing red poppies in remembrance. This is the least that can be done for our veterans who fought and died for our liberty and freedom from oppression and injustice.
This is my Linking Pin Sonnet, Spence-styled, for this dynamic and memorable day honoring our veterans and national heroes:
In Duty's Name: A Linking Pin Sonnet for Memorial Day
By Dr. Joseph S. Spence, Sr.
Duty calls from valleys deep and wide,
Wide like hearts where brave resolve does bide.
Bide the storms, through fire and endless rain,
Rain of trials met with a calm refrain.
Refrain from fear when darkness clouds the sky,
Sky holds hope where eagles dare to fly.
Fly with honor carved in steel and soul,
Soul forged firm in sacrifice and role.
Role of country’s shield in battle’s fire,
Fire of freedom fed by hearts’ desire.
Desire to serve with valor, strong and true,
True to flags in red and white and blue.
Blue, the banner waving high above,
Above all stands their country, duty, and love.
© Dr. Joseph S. Spence, Sr., USA (Epulaeryu Master). All Rights Reserved (May 25, 2025).
Linking Pin Sonnet was invented by Joseph S. Spence Sr. while studying English literature, creative writing, African diaspora, Japanese linguistics, and mythology at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, on January 15, 2007, after studying 21 different sonnet forms. It consists of 14 lines of eight to eleven syllables. The end of each line links with the next. The concept is based on the leadership principle of accomplishing an organization’s task. Strengthening organizational echelons at each level comes by connecting each element with a linking pin leader, thus obtaining maximum productivity in its goal’s completion. One should visualize each linking pin connecting to the next level ensuring strength and safety, moving every adjoining part to reach maximum potential in mission accomplishment. Additionally, one may visualize the linking pin in a bicycle chain. Each pin is secured in place causing the chain to move forward allowing the bike to do the same to get to its destination. Furthermore, the linking pin sonnet resonates with two lovers on the same sheet of music linking together, singing the same song, moving in the same direction, strengthening each other, overcoming obstacles, reaching their goals, and achieving success and victory. This is the practice and significance of “Jumping the Broom” at an African American wedding as a couple.
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