Memorial Day Song: Honoring Those Who Died for Our Freedom, Played on a Martin Backpacker Guitar.

Memorial Day Song
Words and music by Sean Tully
Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.

Memorial Day in the United States

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the last Monday of May to honor military personnel who died in service. Unlike Veterans Day, which recognizes all who served, Memorial Day is specifically for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The holiday's origins trace back to the aftermath of the Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, it involved placing flowers and flags on soldiers’ graves. In 1868, General John A. Logan called for a national day of remembrance on May 30. Over time, the holiday expanded to honor fallen service members from all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday and moved to the final Monday in May.

Americans mark the day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. At Arlington National Cemetery, each grave receives a flag, and a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Parades featuring veterans and military units are common in towns and cities.

Memorial Day also unofficially signals the start of summer. Families gather for barbecues, travel, and outdoor events. This celebratory aspect has led to criticism that the day’s meaning is being overshadowed. To restore its solemn purpose, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance in 2000, asking Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time for a minute of silence.

The holiday serves as a vital reminder of the cost of freedom and provides a time for national reflection and gratitude. As conflicts continue across the globe, Memorial Day remains a powerful symbol of sacrifice and unity.

The Martin Backpacker Guitar

The Martin Backpacker is a compact, travel-friendly guitar designed by C.F. Martin & Company. Introduced in the 1990s, it was created for musicians needing a lightweight, portable instrument without sacrificing playability.

With its narrow, elongated body and full-scale neck, the Backpacker offers a familiar feel despite its unconventional shape. It typically features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides. While its tone is not as rich as a standard guitar, it delivers a bright, usable sound ideal for practice and casual play.

Weighing only a few pounds and equipped with a custom gig bag, it’s ideal for travel by plane, trail, or car. Its durability and resistance to temperature changes make it especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and traveling musicians.

Available in steel-string and nylon-string versions, the Backpacker suits a range of playing styles. The steel-string offers a brighter sound for folk or pop, while the nylon-string provides a softer tone favored by classical players.

Though its body shape may be less ergonomic for some, especially children, its design excels in portability and reliability. The Backpacker has been used by professionals on tour and in educational settings where space or mobility is a concern.

In essence, the Martin Backpacker fills a unique niche—offering a practical solution for musicians on the move while maintaining the quality craftsmanship the Martin brand is known for.