Memorial Day
May 28, 2007
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of the Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act to ensure a 3 day weekend for Federal holidays and in most states Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Traditional observance has dimished over the years, but there are still services at many cemetery locations as the day is used to remember any and all dead, not just those fallen in the service of our country.
Memorial Day has also become a day for barbeques and picnics. Patios are spruced up and friends and relatives gather to enjoy a day of relaxation and outdoor activities.
I suggest that it would be great if we all would pause for the "National Moment of Remembrance". In December 2000 a resolution was passed which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans pause from whatever they are doing for a moment of respect and remembrance. I know I will participate. How about you?
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of the Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act to ensure a 3 day weekend for Federal holidays and in most states Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Traditional observance has dimished over the years, but there are still services at many cemetery locations as the day is used to remember any and all dead, not just those fallen in the service of our country.
Memorial Day has also become a day for barbeques and picnics. Patios are spruced up and friends and relatives gather to enjoy a day of relaxation and outdoor activities.
I suggest that it would be great if we all would pause for the "National Moment of Remembrance". In December 2000 a resolution was passed which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans pause from whatever they are doing for a moment of respect and remembrance. I know I will participate. How about you?
posted by shirley harry at 7:10 PM
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