Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a poignant American holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who have died in military service to the United States. This day of remembrance is marked by various traditions, from parades and ceremonies to the solemn act of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags.

Origin of Memorial Day

The origins of Memorial Day date back to the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more lives than any other in American history and necessitated the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. In the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities began holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

One of the earliest known observances was in Warrenton, VA where the first known Civil War soldiers grave was decorated. Several cities have laid claim to originating Memorial Day such as Jackson, MS, and Charleston, SC who were holding observances as early as 1865 and Columbus, MS and Columbus, GA who did the same in 1866. This tradition of “Decoration Day” spread, and in 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance on May 30, a date specifically chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle.

By the end of the 19th century, Decoration Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, and its observance was set for the last Monday in May.

Memorial Day is often compared to Remembrance Day, observed on November 11 in Commonwealth countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, marks the end of World War I in 1918 and honors all military personnel who have died in the line of duty. While both holidays serve similar purposes, the contexts and traditions associated with them reflect different historical and cultural backgrounds.

Memorial Day in the U.S. focuses primarily on those who have died in military service, emphasizing personal and family connections to the deceased. Remembrance Day, while also honoring the fallen, often includes a broader reflection on the impact of war and the importance of peace. The two-minute silence at 11 a.m. on November 11 is a central feature of Remembrance Day, symbolizing the moment the armistice took effect in 1918.

The Poppy Symbol

The red poppy has become an enduring symbol of Remembrance Day, inspired by the World War I poem &”In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a physician in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The poem describes how poppies grew amidst the graves of soldiers in Flanders, a region heavily impacted by the war.

“In Flanders Fields the Poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row”

The poppy was adopted as a symbol of remembrance in 1921 by the Royal British Legion and has since become an international emblem of remembering those who have died in conflict.

In the United States, the poppy is also associated with Memorial Day, although its prominence is not as widespread as in Commonwealth countries. The American Legion adopted the poppy as the official symbol of Memorial Day in 1920 and the Auxiliary distributes crepe-paper poppies annually, continuing the tradition of honoring fallen soldiers and supporting living veterans.

“Lest We Forget”

The phrase ”Lest We Forget” is closely associated with Remembrance Day and serves as a reminder to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel. Originating from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “Recessional” written in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the phrase underscores the importance of remembering the past to avoid repeating the same mistakes. It is often recited or displayed during memorial ceremonies and is a solemn pledge to ensure that the sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten.

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel and to honor those who have given their lives in service to the nation. While it shares similarities with Remembrance Day, each holiday carries unique traditions and significance within their respective cultures. The symbols of remembrance, such as the poppy and the phrase ”Lest We Forget” serve as powerful reminders of the enduring impact of war and the importance of preserving the memory of those who have fallen in defense of freedom and peace.

To make the In Memoriam

Ingredients:

1 oz - 1.5 oz Bourbon

1 oz Poppy Amaro

3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth

Instructions:

Add ice to a mixing glass.

Combine all ingredients and stir well to chill and dilute.

Strain into a rocks glass, chilled or over fresh ice.

Express orange oils over the top, rim the glass and garnish with orange peel.

The Toast

The toast given at the end of the video is entitled “Do One More Roll For Me” by Captain Gerald Coffee, USN (Ret). Captain Coffee was a POW in Hanoi, Vietnam and from his camp one night, witnessed an aircraft going down. He wrote this poem from the perspective of the downed pilot. In an interview he told the story; “One night during a bombing raid on Hanoi, I peeked out of my cell and watched a flight of four F-105s during their bombing run. As they pulled up, it was obvious the lead was hit badly. Trailing smoke, he broke from the formation and I watched the damaged bird until it disappeared from sight. I presumed the worst. As I lay there in my cell, reflecting on the image, I composed a toast to the unfortunate plot and all others who had gone before him.”

The Espinosa 601 La Bomba Warhead

The Espinosa 601 La Bomba Warhead is a powerful and robust cigar that lives up to its explosive name and holds up well to the “In Memoriam”. The Warhead boasts a striking, dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that envelops a rich blend of Nicaraguan fillers, delivering a full-bodied profile and robust smoking experience.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of the La Bomba Warhead is rich and complex. Upon lighting, you’re hit with a strong blast of black pepper and spice, which quickly sets the tone for the rest of the smoke. As the cigar progresses, these initial spicy notes are complemented by deep, dark chocolate and espresso flavors. There are also underlying earthy tones that add depth to the profile. Midway through, a subtle sweetness emerges, reminiscent of molasses or caramel, providing a pleasant contrast to the dominant spicy and earthy notes. The final third intensifies, with the pepper and spice returning more prominently, creating a long, robust finish.

Burn and Draw

The construction of the La Bomba Warhead is excellent, as expected from Espinosa. The cigar burns evenly throughout, producing a solid, white ash that holds well. The draw is near perfect, offering just the right amount of resistance to fully appreciate the complex flavors without any effort. There are no significant issues with tunneling or canoeing, making for a consistently pleasurable smoke from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Smoking the Espinosa 601 La Bomba Warhead is an intense and gratifying experience. This cigar is undoubtedly designed for seasoned smokers who appreciate a full-bodied and strong profile. For those who enjoy a bold and flavorful smoke, the La Bomba Warhead is a must-try, providing an explosive journey that’s both challenging and rewarding. Pair the Warhead with Stave & Slide’s “In Memoriam” Memorial Day cocktail for a winning combo and toast the fallen!