Building a Culture of Remebrance
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This event originally honored only those whose lives were lost while fighting in the Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865. Over subsequent years, Americans in various cities began holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and flags. By proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, the first major observance was held “to honor those who died in defense of their country.” He called it Decoration Day.
Over 100 years later, Memorial Day, as Decoration Day came to be known, was established by Congress in 1968 and went into effect in 1971. Communities across the United States continue this tradition of honor, hosting parades that often incorporate current military personnel and veterans. Many also visit cemeteries to honor the fallen.
The practices of remembrance and demonstrating honor are important for an organization. Why? Your team members, like most people, have short memories. It’s not an insult; it’s just often true. We forget certain events, truths, guidelines, and lessons over time that prove helpful in maintaining a wider perspective of the past and the present. As Winston Churchill wrote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Leaders must keep the past in mind as we shape the present and navigate the organization toward a greater future!
What does remembrance accomplish in an organization? For one, it helps us to appreciate the present. We remember the struggles, the sacrifices, the humble origins, the story that led us to this moment. Does your team know the stories or the people who preceded them? We use these as learning tools to communicate a rich history. It also helps the team to recognize their own place on a greater timeline as an important building block on a longer journey. People like to know that their work is meaningful, that their presence is seen. Drawing attention to others’ investment over time conveys that the leadership honors and appreciates the efforts of those who have gone before. Expressing public gratitude for the sacrifices of seasoned and former team members leaves an indelible mark in people’s psyche.
Good leaders appreciate the sacrifices of others. This simple act reveals a measure of humility, of humanity, and of grace. Wouldn’t you say that sincere words of appreciation—to you or to others—make you just want to smile on the inside? I know it does for me. Let your own leadership be marked with a spirit of gratitude and remembrance for the sacrifices and efforts of those before you. May you infuse that spirit in the culture of your team.