Holidays are important.
In some variation, all holidays carry significance and to each person provide a meaningful understanding.
Memorial Day originally started following the Civil War (1861-1865). A few years following the Civil War a huge number of survivors, many of them widows, decorated grave sites with flowers and memorabilia.
The Civil War was the deadliest military conflict in American history. The estimated number of dead remain between 620,000 and 750,000. Many soldiers on both sides of hostilities, North and South, died in close hand-to-hand combat. Most of the U.S. residents today do not directly relate to the hostility of the Civil War that tore families apart and it may have turned survivors away from honoring the survivors. Many families in the border states had their families torn apart in ideology and loyalty. It may have been easy for affected residents to seek to move beyond the ravages of war.
Today war is more austere, less confrontational and something closer to two percent of Americans are affected by war. It was much more personal and widespread in the Civil War time 160 years ago. Loyalties were much more divided and hardened. Today the Civil War is more of a footnote. In part, it is because society is mobile and work transfers, movement because of spousal relocation, and television exposure to various geographical areas, we are open to various cultures, which is good in many ways.
•War is a reality of life, which the above information held the focus on our Memorial Day history and the greatest number of casualties, even well past World War II U.S.) casualties for the U.S. on two war fronts.
We will come up to World War II to include the U.S. participation in June 6 D-Day. Eight years ago soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division played leading roles in the Allied invasion of Normandy France that broke the grip of Germany. The Allied invasion of a seemingly impossible invasion of Normandy in France broke the grip. D-Day, 6th of June has been called the 24 hours that saved the World. It’s an epic chapter. Underlying Operation Overlord’s glorious outcome is the story of extreme sacrifice. On Omaha Beach, more than 2,000 American soldiers died in combat.
The First Division Museum at Cantigny in Winfield is remembering D-Day with two special exhibits and programs with themes. Most of the events are free of charge, however, with $10 fees for parking. Among the theme programs are:
•‘Nothing but Victory’ is an outdoor installation spanning 300 yard across the Cantigny landscape simulating what was encountered at Normandy.
Elements along the exhibit trail blend art and history. Free guided tours will be June 8, July 13, and August 24. Remembering the past is a part of history and brings the past into focus.
•‘Over Land, Over Sea, Overlord, is a depiction inside the Museum, explores personal D-Day stories of seven well-known personalities, revealing a profound intersection of celebrity and sacrifice. The exhibit opens May 25.
•Victory Feast: A Culinary Commemoration of D-Day’s 80th Anniversary will be Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m.
•Moonlight Movie: Saving Private Ryan, rated R will be Friday, June 7, 8:15 p.m. is directed by Stephen Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks.
•Evening Symphony Commemorate D-Day Saturday, June 8, 7:30 p.m. in Tank Park for the performance by West Suburban Symphony.
•Other lectures and presentations will be offered June 8, July 8, September 23, June 10, September 9.
•Dynamic Leadership: Three Generals and the 1st Infantry Division will be August 19 .
•The Museum will offer extended hours June 6-9. The Park opens 7 a.m. and the history is special. Some events are free and a few have minimal charges.