Perspective from the 19^th Hole is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

Most of us know what Memorial Day is, so we celebrate it to honor those who served our country.

But, for me this morning, I decided to consult Mr. Google to get more information and here is what I found.

“Memorial Day is a solemn U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May, dedicated to honoring and mourning all American military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces.

“While it often marks the unofficial start of summer with barbecues and travel, its true purpose is remembrance.  It is not a day to thank living veterans, which is reserved for Veterans Day in November, but rather a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by those who never made it home.

“The holiday originated in the aftermath of the Civil War.  Originally called ‘Decoration Day,’ it was established as a time for communities to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags.

“General John A. Logan proclaimed it a national day of remembrance on May 30, 1868, with a major ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

“How It’s Observed:

• Grave Decoration:  Volunteers and families visit national and local cemeteries to place American flags on the headstones of the fallen.
• National Moment of Remembrance:  Congress established a designated time to pause and reflect.  Wherever you are in the U.S., Americans are asked to stop for one minute at 3 p.m. local time.
• Tributes and Parades:  Communities across the country host memorial services and parades to pay tribute to their local heroes.”

So, what will I do today, the day before Memorial Day?  Well, my wife I will put a new American flag up on our deck to commemorate this important day in the life of our country.  And, we’ll be thankful for those we know who gave their lives in service to our country.