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On this day, I honor my nephew, Joe Ray, and cousin, Dennis Hanon, and more … for their service to our country.

They both passed through this life with the strength, loyalty and honor to God, their families and country!

So young and vital, but wounded in battle, so many ways, no one could ever know! We, their family, miss them so much.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, because it was a time set aside to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves.

It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet Churchyard in the land. In this observance, no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We pray for those gone and their families.

I have given a donation to the Paralyzed Veterans for more than 30 years.

My husband and I are true patriots, flag wavers and loyal to America and our leaders. We have such respect for our military, those who have past, retired or served our country in any way. Thank you …

Our son, Michael Sean Deasy, a true patriot, brilliant in business, well-read, active in music and the arts, went to be with his Lord after he battled in his mind and body untenably at the young age of 45. He was born to us May 26, so I will be thinking about him all day and wearing his favorite perfume on me, and while we know where he is and Who he’s with, we miss him, like crazy!

Love, love Mikey.

Kathie Deasy writes about religion in The Port Arthur News. She can be reached at kathiedeasy@hotmail.com.