Happy Memorial Day. I hope that everyone experienced a relaxing extra day off from his or her daily grind. The Lamb family took advantage of the time with some spring cleaning and rearranging. We also spent time visiting gravesites as we do each Memorial Day. Most know that Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service (http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html).

General John Logan officially proclaimed Memorial Day on May 5, 1868 in his General Order No. 11. The holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Originally, the holiday was observed on May 30 annually. Currently, it is celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May. Congress, with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363), passed this change to ensure a three-day weekend for Federal holidays.

While I know this may be off the normal path of most, I have to ask if anyone has ever wondered why we bury the dead. I know this question must sound strange to some but the circumstance behind this question starts with my eight-year old son. While visiting his father's grave this weekend, he made the comment that "he wished he could dig daddy up so that he could have him back." Now we logically know that his wish cannot be granted but it made me think about the act of burial, the meaning behind Memorial Day, and the accompanied pomp and circumstance. Why did his dad have to be buried? I am certain they don't have human taxidermy.

It has been found as far back as 60,000 BC that humans buried the dead with much ceremony. Burial was often found to benefit the deceased family members and to help "move" the deceased on to the next life. From the research conducted, I found some of the strangest beliefs. They vary from the use of tombstones at the cemetery to insure the dead were "weighed down" to the funeral procession's returning route from the cemetery. Varying the route confuses the spirit. Everyone knows that ghosts can only travel in a straight line!

If one does not want to be buried, there are other ways for disposal. After all, our spirit has moved on, the physical body is all that remains (no pun intended). Cremation is becoming more popular but burials at sea are notably expensive. As of late, new buzzwords are direct burials or green burials and body donation (you might end up at Union Station in Kansas City).

In answer to my earlier question "why do we bury the dead" my official response is obvious, out of respect for the deceased, and because of environmental/health issues that would arise from decomposing bodies. Although, Norman Bates loved his mother so much that he decided not to bury her but to "keep her with him" at the Bates house and Hotel in the movie "Psycho". Scientist the world over is working today with cryogenics and we might have the chance to be stored on ice for an undetermined about of time.

While this article certainly does not intend to make light of death, burial, or above all the meaning and observation of Memorial Day, it is intended to stir some thoughts of its readers. Like so many things, has the meaning behind the original intentions of the Memorial Day holiday been lost? Over the years, it appears that the true meaning of the holiday has been lost in department store sales, barbeques, and community swimming pools opening for the season, and other recreational activities.

When visiting Marshall's cemeteries, I found many American Flags proudly waving. Veterans sat at the opening of the cemeteries offering American Flags for placement. I saw military grave markers mixed among the many other tombstones. I could not help but reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice some of these individuals gave. Although I have never served in the Armed Forces, my father, my uncles, my husband, my son, and several high school friends all served so that we may have the continued freedom lived by us all today.

Enjoy the family gatherings, celebrations, and travels on this extended weekend. Thank a veteran or a current member of the military for the ability to do so. Extend respect to loved ones with a visit to their grave and reflect upon a life. Keep memories alive for those "little ones" that may not have as many and do not ever take for granted your freedom.

Karen Mullins-Lamb