As we remember the courageous veterans who served our country, graveside flowers have become one important token of our respect and gratitude. Beginning on May 30, 1868, the first flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Soon, Memorial Day also became known as Decoration Day as Americans began the tradition of gathering every May to tend to the grave sites and honor those who died serving the country during the Civil War.

After World War I, the tradition evolved to commemorate ALL those who died in wars. Poppies in particular became a symbol of respect, gratitude, and remembrance, with the vibrant red color representing the blood that was shed.

If you grew up in the South, or have family members buried in the South, you may have attended Decoration Day. May has become a month for not only commemorating our veterans and their families, but also for remembering our own family members who have died. By gathering and placing flowers at grave sites, telling stories, and making photographs, memories are preserved in order to be passed on to the youngest family members.

The safekeeping of many of these older cemeteries has become increasingly important as landscape development converts old farms and homesteads. The Alabama Historical Commission encourages documentation of these sites, and has created the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register, the only official listing of historic cemeteries. Many of these cemeteries have no official owners or caretakers. So it has become the responsibility of family members and volunteers to record and maintain these sacred places.

Today is a day of Remembrance, of those who served, and of those we’ve loved. Let’s not forget them.