Usually in May I feature the Moms and I do wish them all a very Happy Mother's Day.
Memorial Day
It's not just the first barbeque of the summer or the day the pools and beaches open...it's so much more and last year I nearly exploded when I heard an American explaining to someone from another country when they asked "what is Memorial Day?" and she answered, "oh it marks the beginning of summer". I overheard that and nearly ripped her head off. When I got done they both knew what Memorial Day is and will never ever forget it!!
The American tradition of Memorial Day began more than 100 years ago. It was at the end of a brutal war, a war in which brother fought brother and the best of friends became the worst of enemies. It was the Civil War, one of the worst wars ever fought by the people of this nation, and it was fought on our own soil. At the end of this war, family members of the many soldiers slain in battle would visit the grave sites of their fallen relatives or friends and decorate their graves with flowers. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan proclaimed this day a holiday through his General Order no. 11. The day was entitled Decoration Day. Decoration day was first observed on May 30, 1868. The northern states celebrated this day every year, but the southern states celebrated a day similar to this on a different day until sometime after World War I.
In 1882, the name Decoration day was changed to Memorial Day, and in 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be held on the last Monday of May every year.
The modern celebration of Memorial Day is similar to the original celebration, but today we have expanded upon the original idea. Today, Memorial Day is a time of the year when people come together to honor their close friends or relatives who have died. It is still very much about honoring America's fallen soldiers, such as in gatherings at places like the Arlington National Cemetary in Arlington, Virginia to visit such moving memorial tributes such as the tomb of the unknown soldier, which represents "everyman" who with bold patriotism layed down their life for this country.
I am a long way away from where my Father's grave is so instead I go to the Memorial Day Parade here in Queens NY every year. I make sure to thank the military every year and give a few of them a big hug for marching and respecting those who came before them.
I wave my flag and remember why I am free to wave it....
Wishing you the very best
