Memorial Day

Dear Diary,

Today our nation celebrates Memorial Day, a day to honor all those who gave their lives for our country.  It began shortly after the Civil War as Decoration Day to honor the 620,000 soldiers that died during those 4 horrific years.  Many New England towns erected monuments like this in the years following the war.  This one is just a few miles from my house.

Maine played a pivotal role in the war.  The 20th Maine, led by Joshua Chamberlain, held the line on Little Round Top on July 2, 1863 and stemmed the tide of the Confederates at the Battle of Gettysburg.  It is often considered the most important battle of the entire war for the Union. When given the order to "hold the line at all costs", the 386 men of the 20th did not hesitate.  Out of bullets after the first southern assault, they mounted their bayonets and charged downhill into the advancing line of Confederate soldiers.  It marked the turning point of the war for the Union.

8,441 Maine men died in the Civil War, 3,184 of battle wounds, 5,257 of disease.  At 3pm local time today, every American is asked to pause for one minute to honor those who's love of country was greater than their love of self.