Three weeks after the confederate surrender more than 1,000 recently freed slaves, several white Charlestonians and members of the Massachusetts 54th Infantry gathered to consecrate a proper burial by singing songs, distributing flowers and giving readings.

In July of 1865, a druggist in Waterloo, N.Y. began to encourage people to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans. This idea caught on in both the north and south, and these uncoordinated dates became known as Decoration Day. By 1868 Decoration Day was celebrated throughout the nation.

These recognition occurrences were brought to the attention of General John A. Logan who was the commander of a group of union veterans called the Grand Army of the Republic. On May 5, 1868, General Logan issued a proclamation calling for May 30 to be “a day for the purpose of strewing flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country”. The transition to calling it Memorial Day was first used in 1882, but Memorial Day was not declared the official name until a federal law was passed in 1967.

And so today I salute all veterans, whether they are fresh from combat or they are handling our supply chain or they have returned physically or mentally wounded. I salute our gold star families who sacrificed a love one so that we might be free. I thank those in the National Guard that not only serve in war times but also in times of national disaster. In Oak Bluffs we have a living memorial in the veterans and friends that spend time sharing memories and stories in the VFW Hall on Towanticut Ave. There you can see photos of past leaders and those that have served so valiantly.

Over the years Memorial Day has extended beyond tributes exclusively to veterans. It provides a time to visit the grave sites of family and friends regardless of their military backgrounds.

I want to remember Joe Parham of Oak Bluffs who died a few months ago and whose celebration of life will be held at noon on June 1 at the Tabernacle. Joe was one of a number of alums from the Polaroid corporation who spent time on the Vineyard, as well as the ski slopes out west. His care, warmth and generosity will be remembered.

Fran James passed just a few weeks ago after spending many decades as a summer resident and then year-round on the Island. Her services will be held on June 15, details to follow. Fran and Paul James hosted many a tennis outing at their cottage over the years.

This past week Douglass Diggs of Detroit died from a stroke and will be laid to rest on Friday. He was just 55. He and wife Shauna and their two daughters spent summers here visiting their close friend Cindy Carter. Cindy has been in Detroit with the family bringing condolences and love from their many Vineyard friends.

On June 20, I will bury the remains of my father, Franklyn W. Taylor Jr., in Arlington National Cemetery. He’ll be interred next to my older brother, Franklyn W. Taylor III. Daddy was in the Korean War and Frank died from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. We thank God for their lives and the military legacies they leave for us to cherish.

Paradise on earth is the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!

Send Oak Bluffs news to rtaylor@mvgazette.com.