Memorial Day more than just a day off

Memorial Day started shortly after the Civil War as a way to honor the war dead. Over the years, it has morphed into a national holiday signifying the beginning of summer.

Richard and Ronnie Connell want to remind Americans that Memorial Day is about remembering those who have served, not barbecues and days off work. The two are members of a Blytheville family who not only served in the military, but have continued to serve veterans as members and leaders of the local American Legion.

"Memorial Day is about honoring and paying respect to the fallen," who died while in service to our country, they said.

The Connells, along with their brothers Jimmy and Homer Jr., and their father, Homer, have more than 200 years of service to the American Legion. Homer Connell served as the state commander of the American Legion in 1977.

"They said that they'd never seen a commander with four sons with him on the podium. We nominated him," Ronnie said.

Four of the five Connells served in the Navy. Ronnie served in the Army. Both brothers said they were drafted into the military, and joined their respective branches after being called in the draft.

An interesting side note to his service, Ronnie said, is that his discharge papers were signed by President Richard Nixon on the very day Nixon resigned as president.

The Connell family also has several other members who served, including an uncle, Larry Kelley, who is listed on the veteran's monument on the courthouse lawn.

The American Legion started was formed years ago to provide continuing services for veterans. The group went on to establish several successful community programs that are still in existence today, such as the popular American Legion baseball program for youths.

Like other organizations, it is struggling to remain a strong presence in the community.

"We are disappearing" because older veterans are dying and younger ones are not joining, Ronnie said. "We need younger veterans to get involved to keep it going."

According to one source, more than 24 cities claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. It was first proclaimed officially on May 5, 1868, by Gen. John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. The first "official" Memorial Day was observed on May 30 of that year, when flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

New York was the first state to officially recognize the Memorial Day in 1873. By 1890, all Northern states had recognized the day of acknowledgment. It is said that the Southern states refused to recognize the day because of hard feelings left over from the Civil War, choosing instead to honor their war dead on another day. However, after World War I, the states joined together to honor all veterans who died in any war. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May, as passed by Congress in 1971.

dhilton@blythevillecourier.com