Since 1971, Americans have set aside the last Monday in May to celebrate Memorial Day.
However, the tradition is rooted far deeper in American history than 1971. Initially referred to as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War, the holiday was observed to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers and remember the tremendous sacrifices those soldiers and their families made for their country. Following the First World War, the observance expanded to include honoring all American soldiers who perished in battle in the service of America.
Ohio has an inspiring military tradition, from the men of the earliest settlements in the late 1700s, who provided security for settlers and formalized the creation of its first militia when Ohio became a state in 1803, to the indispensable and relentless valor shown during the War of 1812.
Ohio has produced some of American history's most faithful and valiant warrior soldiers. On this Memorial Day, it is important to stop and think about the sacrifices made on behalf of Americans by soldiers from across the nation who laid down their lives so we may be safe and free to prosper. As Ohioans, it would be good to remember those who fought and died in our service.
For example, may we never forget Brigadier General William Lytle of Cincinnati, who served as an officer in the American Army in both the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. Lytle, hailing from a very influential and wealthy dynasty, studied law at Cincinnati College, passed the Bar Exam, and established a law firm soon thereafter.
Not satisfied with prospering only in the private sector, Lytle enlisted in the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Mexican-American War and served as captain. Once returning victorious from Mexico, Lytle continued with his legal work and, as a Democrat, ran and won election to our state legislature. In 1857, he ran and lost a race for Lieutenant Governor by just a few hundred votes.
That same year, Lytle became a famous poet and published his most remarkable work, “Antony and Cleopatra,” which gained him widespread appreciation. In 1861, Lytle was commissioned Colonel of the 10th Ohio Infantry at the start of the Civil War. He was severely wounded in western Virginia, was sent home to recover, but in about four months returned to service and continued to provide needed leadership, this time being assigned commander of the Bardstown, Ky., military training camp. At the Battle of Perrysburg, Lytle was wounded and taken prisoner, later released in a prisoner exchange with the South.
Just days before his death, his fellow officers, in great admiration, presented him with the Maltese Cross. Their admiration for him would only intensify 11 days later when he was killed in Georgia at the Battle of Chickamauga. Once officers of the Confederacy identified him and recognized who he was, they placed a guard over his body, and many Confederate soldiers spent the evening reciting his poetry in his honor. The place of his death, until this very day is known as “Lytle Hill”.
William Lytle ought to be remembered as one of Ohio’s greatest sons. He was truly the embodiment of everything we should pray our sons aspire to become. He was a man among men, a lawyer, a politician, a poet, and a soldier. He was brilliant, highly educated, ambitious yet selfless, learned, fearless, inspiring, and capable of tremendous ingenuity in defending his country. William Lytle was a leader, and he led by a lifetime example of service and sacrifice.
Surely, countless other great Ohioans have followed in the footsteps of Lytle, who have died in battle throughout our state’s history. Take a minute on this Memorial Day to thank God for sending us men and women who are willing to fight, kill, and die for our nation to remain secure.
