Memorial Day was first observed immediately following the Civil War, honoring the fallen soldiers of that horrible conflict. The first observers decorated the graves with flowers, hence the early name: Decoration Day. -- Private J H Hutchins enlisted in the confederate army just three days after the bombardment on Ft. Sumter which began the war. He was killed in battle on April 8, 1865 at Appomattox Court House, on the last day of fighting between Lee and Grant. The next day, General Lee surrendered. Hutchins saw the entire war with its unimaginable tragedy and sacrifice. -- Today, we honor all of the many men and women, soldiers and non-soldiers, who have gone before us in faith and sacrifice to pave the way. (Canon 5D Mark II; 1/80 at f/4.0; ISO 2500)

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