‘More than a day off’: Visitors reflect on true meaning of Memorial Day at Historic Fort D

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)— As families across the country fire up grills and take advantage of holiday sales this Memorial Day, a growing number of Americans say the true purpose of the holiday is being overlooked.

A recent survey conducted by market research company Savanta found that 52% of Americans believe Memorial Day has strayed from its original meaning of honoring fallen military members. 

Despite this, 60% of respondents still associate the day with remembrance, and 40% say they use the time to reflect on its intended purpose. 

In Cape Girardeau, some people are working to ensure that the memory of those who gave their lives in service to the country is not forgotten.

At Historic Fort D — the last remaining Civil War fortification of its kind in the city — re-enactors and visitors gathered Monday to commemorate the origins of the holiday, which was first known as Decoration Day and began after the Civil War.

Scott House, who coordinates activities at the site, said the re-enactments serve both as an educational tool and a tribute.

“The Civil War was the great American conflict,” House said, “and so Memorial Day has grown into being a memorial for all veterans who died in the pursuit of freedom for the United States.”

Visitor Heather Carey brought her young granddaughter to the site. Carey said while she values spending time with family on Memorial Day, she also wants to instill a deeper understanding of its purpose.

“It’s kind of become a commercial holiday,” she said. “Rather than having Memorial Day just be another day off, we really wanted to pay tribute to those who’ve lost their lives in service of our country.”

For Chad Frazee, the day is deeply personal. He attends multiple remembrance events each year to honor his own family members who served in the military.

“I just use it as a day to remember, especially the people in my family who served and who are no longer living,” Frazee said. “Because I’m not from here, I find a place to do that memorial for them.”

House said events like those held at Fort D preserve the holiday’s meaning.

“If we’re not here helping people remember, then they will forget and just think about having a barbecue on Memorial Day,” he said, “but these fallen soldiers — this is the reason why you have a holiday, because men and women gave their lives for the United States of America.