Services in Utah to honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day 2010; history, quotes, and poems

Monday, services around the state are taking place to honor at least 35 Utah soldiers who have lost their lives in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those who lost their lives in war.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and it began with local celebrations around the country after the end of the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers, and it began on May 30 each year from 1868 to 1968; after that the date was moved to the last Monday in May. After the first World War, Memorial Day was meant to honor anyone who had died from war.

In Utah, many people show their support with American flags placed in their yards and on their houses. And flowers are taken to the graves of loved ones. There are a variety of memorial activities going on throughout Salt Lake City today, so see a list of Memorial Day services, tributes and activities click here.

Quotes used as part of Memorial Day celebrations:

“Isn’t death to fall for Freedom’s right? He’s dead alone who lacks her light!” – Thomas Campbell

“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” – Minot J. Savage

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” – Lee Greenwood

“The patriot’s blood is the seed of Freedom’s tree.” – Thomas Campbell

“Decoration Day is the most beautiful of our national holidays…. The grim cannon have turned into palm branches, and the shell and shrapnel into peach blossoms.” – Thomas Bailey Aldrich

“I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.” – Benjamin Harrison

“Fold him in his country’s stars. Roll the drum and fire the volley! What to him are all our wars, What but death bemocking folly?” – George Henry Boker

Memorial Day Poems

We mourn workers who have died in the past and present.
We mourn the losses of those in shirt factories, chicken plants and Bophal. We cry for our members who have died from it all.
We vow to protect our members from the deaths of corporate greed; we declare good health and safety as our creed.
May our tears, sweat and labor strengthen our faith to keep us safe for now and the future.
This we will pledge in solidarity.
Amen
By Laverne Mayfield - International Chemical Workers Union

A Prayer for the Fallen
We remember those we have lost with great fondness.
They gave much to the world; as individuals, family members, friends and work colleagues.
We remember their families in their enormous sadness.
For those who have died at work building a better place for the rest of us.
Those who died while constructing our buildings and expressways, hospitals and schools.
For those who have died young and innocent, victims of avoidable accidents
May we learn from this loss, honour the memory of those lost
And work towards a safer work place for all people
Where the rights and dignity of all workers are upheld above all else
By Rev. Ian Lawton

When My Work Was Never Done
I left home that day as someone's:
Child
Mother
Father
Sister
Brother
Friend
And loved one;
When my work was never done.
I innocently went to work that day as a:
Laborer
Carpenter
Office Worker
Co-Worker
And a victim.
When my work was never done.
And now you mourn for me as:
Family
Friends
Survivors
Fighters
When my work was never done.
I ask that on this day remember.
Although my work was never done, our work has just begun.
By LaVerne Mayfield,
Dedicated in loving memory of her sister Lillian.

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Sources: Salt Lake City About.com and Mioboo

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