The first thing that comes to mind for many Americans when they hear the term "Memorial Day" is a relaxing, fun-filled weekend. Of course, to those families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, the day means something different all together.

In this new activity from ProQuest Historical Newspapers (Graphical), explore the tensions between Memorial Day ideals and celebrations in newspapers and American culture.

Memorial Day—originally called Decoration Day and first observed on May 30, 1868—has its origins in honoring soldiers of the Civil War. As the United States fought in the world wars and other conflicts of the twentieth century, the holiday evolved into a commemoration of all fallen American military personnel. In 1968, as part of a wider holiday standardization bill, Congress moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May.

The fact that Memorial Day is part of a three-day weekend and is seen by many as the unofficial start of summer means that picnics, barbeques, vacations, and sporting events characterize the holiday as much as (or more than) do grave decorating, flag flying, and other commemorative activities.

This tension between celebration and reverence in Memorial Day observances is clearly evident in newspapers across the country. For example, sentiments such as the following, published in the May 30, 1953 edition of the New York Times, are common in Memorial Day editorials:

"Memorial Day cannot be, in its very nature, a happy sort of celebration. There is no place for the thought of festivity in the contemplation of our human losses. It is, however, a day of honor. We remember our sons who have fallen, not merely in grief but in pride over the dedication that brought their sacrifice.

This is, therefore, a day for the sober examination of our own sense of values. These whom we honor found something that was more important than life itself. They died for causes, for ideals, in the fullness of loyalty. They died, also, in the grim doing of a hard job that was not of their own making. Their sacrifice has given the utmost in responsibility to those of us who live. It is for us to demonstrate how it was justified and justifiable."

Meanwhile, Memorial Day newspaper editions are filled with pages of ads trumpeting vacation packages to beach locations, summer furniture specials, and—of course—food for the ubiquitous barbeque. This ad is taken from the pages of the May 28, 1953 edition of the Washington Post.

Learning Activity

In this activity, students will research historical trends in Memorial Day observances. Begin by splitting the class into two groups, one of which will be assigned to editorials and the other to ads.

• Have the group researching editorials search Historical Newspapers (Graphical) for Memorial Day editorials from years during which the United States was at war. For instance, students may search for editorials from 1916 (World War I), 1945 (World War II), 1970 (Vietnam).
  
  You may also have students find editorials from the Cold War era (1950-1980s). A search of southern papers like the Atlanta Constitution may result in editorials about feelings toward Confederate soldiers on Memorial Day (see "Memorial Day in a Nation United," 1945).
  
  
• After students have gathered and read these historical editorials, have them identify similarities and differences between the sentiments expressed in them. What are the common themes among them? What do the attitudes toward soldiers seem to be in each conflict? What types of Memorial Day observances do the authors support?
  
  
• Assign the second group of students to research Memorial Day ads from these same periods. Have them look for trends as well. What product categories do these ads fall into? Do the types of products featured for Memorial Day observances seem to change over time?
  
  
• Finally, have the groups come together to compare their findings and discuss whether a tension has always existed between what Memorial Day is about and how most Americans choose to observe it.