Senator Mike MORRELL Shares

150 years ago…

In May 1868, our nation observed the first Decoration Day - a time for communities to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers, particularly those who had lost their lives during the Civil War. 



At a ceremony in Arlington Cemetery that year, Union General and Ohio Congressman James A. Garfield (later the 20^th President of the United States) made the following remarks that still resonate today about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice:

“…they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

This holiday is one of our nation’s most important, as we honor the men and women who put everything on the line to uphold the freedoms and liberties that we too often take for granted. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. 



As we go about our busy days, let’s pause to remember the millions of Americans who gave the last full measure of devotion in loyalty to our country.  May we never forget them. 



Editor’s note:  “THANK YOU! Senator Morrell, for your thoughts of remembering Them!”    E T Russell   

State Capital Memorial Gardens, Sacramento, California