RE: XMCA Memorial Day
Buzzelli, Cary Anthony (cbuzzell who-is-at indiana.edu)
Fri, 29 May 1998 11:33:18 -0500
I have missed much of the Memorial Day conversation but having just read
Gary's post several thoughts come to mind.
I seem to recall, but I may be wrong, that Memorial Day came about as a way
of recognizing those who died in the Civil War.
But interestingly enough it was not celebrated by all. In 1980 when I moved
from Indiana to Georgia I was surprised that some schools did not have
Memorial Day off. When I asked by aunt, who had moved from Ohio to Georgia
in the late 70's, about this she said that the school system which my
cousins attended celebrated a Confederate Memoral Day, in October (as best
as I can recall). I'm not sure to what extent the Confederate Memorial Day
is still celebrated. During my 13 years in GA and AL I seemed to notice
less celebration of the Confederate Memorial Day.
Again, I'm not sure if my history is accurate, but if it is perhaps this
raises a number of issues for consideration, such as
the notion of 'parallel' holidays, notions of inclusion/exclusion: who is
included/excluded in the celebration, among many others. Then again, if my
recollection is wrong, I apologize for this.
Cary A. Buzzelli
cbuzzell who-is-at indiana.edu