Memorial Day love.

Today is a day of remembering those who fought for our country, for our rights, for our privileges, and for our freedom. I honor and salute those who have fought, died, and survived a most righteous battle; a battle for freedom and justice. As the daughter of a Vietnam Marine, I have nothing but the utmost respect for our armed forces, as well as the families and supporters of those serving. Regardless of your feelings towards current conflicts and deployments, IT IS EVERY AMERICAN'S DUTY TO RESPECT AND HONOR those fighting for our freedom every minute of every day. 

With that being said, an interesting conflict resulting from the origins of Memorial Day has been presented to me. Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, originated after the American Civil War (or the War of Northern Aggression for my Southern friends) as a way to honor Union soldiers who had fought and died in battle. Now while I fully support remembering, honoring, memorializing, etc. these soldiers, I feel it to be unjust and against the true purpose of Memorial Day by having its origin come from excluding Confederate soldiers. While Memorial Day has come to remember and recognize all American soldiers in any battle or war, its origins were still exclusionary. 

After some Internet research I discovered there are currently nine (9) states that observe Confederate Memorial Day. These states include: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. These states honor Confederate soldiers who fought and died in the American Civil war specifically. I actually think this is kind of neat. My ancestors were Confederate soldiers, and I know they were amazing American patriots who loved this country and hated big federal government with a passion. Again, regardless of your feelings toward the Civil War, I believe its important to honor and respect ALL soldiers. In case you're wondering when your state's Confederate Memorial Day is, I've listed dates and any comments. Thank you Wikipedia !

• Alabama
• Fourth Monday in April
• The surrender of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston to Union General William Sherman on April 26, 1865.
• Florida
• April 26
• The surrender of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston to Union General William Sherman on April 26, 1865.
• Georgia
• April 26
• The surrender of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston to Union General William Sherman on April 26, 1865.
• Louisiana
• June 3
• Jefferson Davis's birthday. Set by state law, Louisiana Revised Statues 1:55 
• Mississippi
• Last Monday in April
• The surrender of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston to Union General William Sherman on April 26, 1865.
• North Carolina
• May 10
• The death of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson in 1863 and the capture of Confederate president Jefferson Davis in 1865.
• South Carolina
• May 10
• The death of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson in 1863 and the capture of Confederate president Jefferson Davis in 1865.
• Tennessee
• June 3
• Jefferson Davis' birthday.
• Texas
• January 19
• Confederate Heroes Day. In 1973, the Texas legislature combined the previously official state holidays of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis' birthdays into a single "Confederate Heroes Day" to honor all who had served the Southern Cause. In some years, this date may coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. State offices are partially staffed in recognition of this day.
• April 26
• Confederate Memorial Day. Texas' official holiday is named Confederate Heroes Day and is celebrated on January 19. However, many local communities and Southern historical organizations within the state also observe a separate "Confederate Memorial Day" on April 26.