Memorial Day originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868. The Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. It was celebrated on May 30. In 1968 Congress decided we needed a three-day holiday and the date was changed to the last Monday in May. That is why I am sitting here on a Saturday morning with the temperature a balmy 42 degrees F on May 23 thinking there is no way I am going outside to do anything in the garden before late this afternoon when it is supposed to warm up. My holiday calendar says it is the start of the summer season, but Mother Nature says we are all mixed up.
As you begin your holiday week-end, may I share some photos I've previously posted of our memorials to those who fought for us. Lest we forget those who died serving our nation and why we have this three-day holiday week-end.
This is on Old Route 66 in Elwood, Illinois. It was established in 1999.
Below at Arlington National Cemetery:
Civil War Tomb of the Unknowns
Tomb of the Unknowns
Soldiers National Monument, Gettysburg National Cemetery
To the families who gave their loved ones for the cause, you have my deepest gratitude.
We remember our fallen in November. I like the pictures Saw a picture on Facebook the other day. Piling flowers on a memorial but passing buy a beggar (ex soldier) on the street.
ReplyDeleteWe also have Veterans Day in November, formerly called Armistice Day (November 11). We have lots of wars to remember.
DeleteIn England it used to be Remembrance Day. Not sure if that's what it's called today. Not even sure what it's called here, Armistice I think. Having lived in 3 countries, gets confusing although Matt would say it's not hard to confuse me anyway LOL
DeleteWe celebrate the brave on November 11th but it is great that you have your remembrance now because we are neighbours, it is just nice to think of the brave men and civilians who went through the war
ReplyDeleteThis Day started out to remember our Civil War veterans. And then after the end of WWI, November 11 became the day to celebrate the Armistice.
DeleteAmen! I understand why they passed to make 3 day holiday weekends out of various holidays. A lot of it is economics. Costs of shutting down plants for one day and then cranking them back up, etc. But to me, combining holidays (like President's Day) and purposefully making 3 day weekends took a lot of the focus of the average person off of the original intent of the holiday. Glad you are one who does remember!
ReplyDeleteLife & Faith in Caneyhead.