In Duty's Name - A Linking Pin Sonnet for Memorial Day

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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.

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).

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