By Vanessa Posada
On Monday, May 26th, Americans all across the nation spent their day in remembrance, honoring our friends and family members that devoted their time and sacrificed their lives for our country. Memorial day is an incredibly significant holiday, as it gives everyone a chance to express their gratitude to all of the soldiers that have put their lives on the line for the greater good of America. Memorial day originated post Civil War and was primarily known as, “Decoration Day” Starting off as a holiday to honor soldiers who passed in the war by decorating their grave with flags and flowers. Eventually the holiday evolved into a nationwide remembrance and honor of military members who died in service. This day of remembrance and gratitude for our fallen soldiers was declared an official holiday in 1971.
Held at the Eugene Morlot Park in Byram, CT, the Byram Veterans Association hosted a memorial service for our beloved, passed veterans. Eugene Morlot was a custodian at the Byram school (McKinney Terrance) during WWII. Eugene wanted to honor the former Byram School students who had fought, and lost their lives during the war. In doing so, he raised money to plant trees in loving memory of 13 students who had lost their lives during the war. During the service each tree was decorated with a beautiful flower, and two American flags. Additionally, the large memorial underneath the American flag had a beautiful flower arrangement of red, white and blue flowers, and multiple smaller flags surrounding the stone.
Memorial Day is a holiday that though many recognize, it is important that it is being recognized for its true intention, to honor our soldiers. Unfortunately, many people neglect the true meaning of memorial day, and treat it as more of a weekend to get away rather than a time to remember our loved ones who passed away while fighting for our country. Many families that attended the ceremony explained how important it is to see that our soldiers who lost their lives, receive the appreciation and honor they rightfully deserve, “We need to provide more services for them, they suffer many mental and physical challenges during their time, and after their time as well” Betty Shopovic noted. Betty Shopovic, mother of a former soldier, and president of the women’s club in Greenwich, deeply feels the importance of memorial day, and though she believes Greenwich does an outstanding job in the representation of our soldiers, she feels there is always more that can be done to show our appreciation. When Betty was asked, what does memorial day mean to you? ” She explained, “My son was in the service, and he devoted two years of his life to our country, so I feel it is important that we remember those who have given their lives for our nation” Also, many explained how significant each soldiers roles were, “They gave their lives, and they devoted their time, and it is a major sacrifice” stated Harold Scuterud.
At the Memorial day ceremony in Byram, families shared stories of their past family members, giving everyone a chance to reconnect with those who they have lost. Remembering our fallen soldiers is something each family deeply values, and sharing their stories is something they will continue to do over the years. Memorial day is for remembrance, but these families reminded each other that it is also a time to call attention to others, to continue to honor, remember, and acknowledge the profundity of our soldiers’ services to our country.
