![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_G4tKh0gmcRNcXVlJnM5iPHRWcAjx0Pv314DjdeRv85h4Ac68NRFQnyXREdyvHsTLmr3e2WmLWvTiO6e7TCZ7nLIUay681aUiTJyWzwr2pZFcbOMOTiaLwpANOToAPyUrW9-ORP1US1lh/s400/vintage+flag.jpg)
I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning;
I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak,
because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it.
We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.
Benjamin Harrison