[Correspondent Column] Memorial Day 2020 to Be Recorded in US History

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] May 25 is Memorial Day in the United States. The origin is generally accepted to be from when General John Logan, a former Union general after the Civil War, issued an order to decorate the graves of fallen Union soldiers with flowers. Recently, a claim that it started in Charleston, South Carolina has attracted attention. It is said to have originated from freed African Americans gathering to mourn the deaths of Union soldiers who fought for the abolition of slavery during the Civil War and to commemorate the end of the war.

Whatever the reason, Americans fly flags at half-staff and hold commemorative marches in many places on this day. However, this solemnity is only part of the story; the true nature of Memorial Day lies elsewhere. Behind it is a holiday marking the start of the summer season and is also represented by massive sales events. While Black Friday is known as the American shopping season to us, Memorial Day sales are no less significant. Since there is a public holiday in May, the "queen of seasons," which is perfect for outdoor activities, and it coincides with graduation season, this is somewhat natural. Young people flock to nightclubs and beaches, and families take trips, making it an ideal time. For us, who are accustomed to refraining from entertainment business operations on Memorial Day out of reverence, this is a different scene.

However, this year’s Memorial Day will surely be remembered through history and oral tradition as an exceptional year when such normal routines disappeared. It is the first holiday since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States, making it completely different from past Memorial Days.

First, the reality of nearly 100,000 deaths and close to 40 million unemployed due to COVID-19 has made the 2020 Memorial Day a day recorded in history as one of heightened social conflict. Above all, the current state of the United States is as divided as during the Civil War, which was the impetus for Memorial Day.

The conflict between the federal government led by President Donald Trump and the states, especially governors from the Democratic Party, is reminiscent of the Civil War era. In the northern U.S., where Democratic governors are concentrated, such as New York, which has been severely affected by COVID-19, and in many southern states with less severe COVID-19 impact, completely different scenes are unfolding.

In severely affected states, reopening the economy is still cautious. Residents now consider wearing masks in public places a given. Schools are even moving to eliminate summer vacations and promote year-round online classes. On the other hand, in southern states like Georgia and Florida, where social distancing has been relaxed, photos of crowds gathering at pool parties are spreading and fueling controversy.

It is a day to remember the painful wounds of the North and South divided over the abolition of slavery, which failed to resolve conflicts and led to civil war, and to promote unity, but the reality is entirely different.

The conflict extends internationally as well. President Trump proudly compares the U.S. to South Korea, claiming the U.S. has surpassed Korea in responding to COVID-19. Yet he shows no interest in why South Korea succeeded in controlling COVID-19. The current U.S. attitude is to blame others rather than reflect. Is it too much to expect the obvious truth that pain leads to maturity from the 244-year-old history of the United States?

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.