Memorial Day is much more than just a three-day weekend and a chance to hold your awesome bbq. It's a time to remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives for this country. Some will also celebrate military veterans on Memorial Day, but the task is really more somber. The occasion is reserved for those who died while serving their country.
The day was first observed in the wake of the Civil War, where local communities organized tributes around the gravesites of fallen soldiers. The observation was originally called Decoration Day because the graves were adorned with flowers. It was held May 30 because that date wasn't the anniversary for any battle in particular and all soldiers could be honored. (The date was recognized by northern states, with southern states choosing different days.)
After World War I, the day shifted from remembering the fallen in the Civil War to those who had perished in all of America's conflicts.
It gradually became known as Memorial Day and was declared a federal holiday and moved to the last Monday in May to organize a three-day weekend beginning in 1971.
This year I wish to honor & remember my late mother in-law's brother (Arvey Farmer) who died while stationed at Camp Funston, KS in 1918. Many perished from the Spanish Flu during WWI. He along with other comrades were scheduled to come home on leave but all leaves were cancelled. He eventually contracted the flu and perished like 670k other Americans.
We Remember, Honor And Celebrate You And Those Who Are No Longer Around To Receive Our Gratitude Personally.
Nana
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