“When are the dead not dead? The ancient peoples of the Andes believed we keep the dead “alive” as long as we continue to remember them.” ⁽¹⁾  We of AdLLaw say:  “The life and legacy of the deceased lie in the memory of the living.”

Most Latin countries celebrate the Day of the Dead.  Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos festivals are commonly celebrated in countries where there is a Spanish-Speaking population or Spanish customs are observed. The celebrations focus on family members that have passed away.  United States, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Haiti, Bolivian and Ecuador each have a special and positive ceremony for honoring their dead. ⁽²⁾

A Legacy NEVER Dies

The United States celebrate several days which are meant to honor the dead and those who have contributed to and served this Nation.  Days such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, President’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Day and 911.  All countries have some celebration, ceremony or “Veneration of the dead”⁽³⁾ 

“Remembrance Day” which is similar to the US Veterans Day is celebrated in the UK, Canada, Oceania, Australia, Western Europe and South Africa. Germany has their Day of Commemoration of Heroes.  Russians celebrate “The Defender of the Fatherland Day.”  These celebrations are rooted in a belief we honor our ancestors.  The word “ancestors” may sound lofty and given to people who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago, but the word ancestor means one who came before us. “a person from whom one is descended; forebear; progenitor.” ⁽⁴⁾

Many countries have working laws against defaming the dead so why not the USA?   This is not a new subject. In the USA such a law has been vigorously fought and lobbied against. ⁽⁵⁾   Even with the understanding that not all cases will fall under legislative guidelines; as defamation nor will all successors be willing or able to sue. Knowing defamation suits are hard fought and not easily won even for the living there is great resistance to passing this law to protect the legacy of the deceased.

Until the United States of America, a Nation which considers itself a world leader, is willing to step forward and lead by example then it says we only honor our dead in word, but not in deed.

The truth must be told and our history needs to reflect that, but there is no honor in slandering our dead.

Please sign the AdLLaw (Anti-defamation Legacy Law) Initiative Petition.

AdLLaw Petition

Support the AdLLaw Initiative by contacting your U.S. House Senators and the President by letter or email. Non U.S. persons contact the President.  Simply tell them you support the AdLLaw Initiative and would like for them to do the same.  Then copy and paste this link to your letter or email.

Contact information:

Contact the President of the United States

U.S. Citizens – Contact The Two U.S. Senators Assigned To Your State

 References and sources:

(1) http://www.miamiartzine.com/latest-features/arts-at-large/1666-hopitaki-honoring-the-ancestors

(2)  http://www.ehow.com/info_8336946_countries-celebrate-day-dead-fest…

(3) http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ancestor

(4) http://jonathanturley.org/2007/08/18/defaming-the-dead/

(5) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneration_of_the_dead

Submitted by:  S. Kendrick, AdLLaw Resolution Specialist – a.k.a. Dial Dancer