Memorial Day 2013

Memorial Day

Monday, May 27th 2013

Here we are embarking again upon another Memorial Day Weekend.

This day was originally created and first dubbed Decoration Day to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers at the end of the American Civil War for those who had lost their lives fighting the war. By the end of the 20^th century, its purpose and meaning was extended to honor ALL Americans (men and women) who had died while serving in our Armed Forces.

Memorial Day is always the last Monday in the month of May. In addition to being a day to remember our lost servicemen/women, it also figuratively denotes the beginning of summer … just as Labor Day represents its end.

An early tradition of Memorial Day of decorating gravesites is still practiced today. Thousands upon thousands of people across our nation visit cemeteries and memorials to place flowers and/or an American Flag upon the grave of a military service person. This is greatly celebrated in National Cemeteries.

Another great custom of Memorial Day that has taken place for many years is the beginning of the ‘picnic and bar-b-que’ season. This particular partaking in feast is believed to have begun back ages ago when after people would gather to place flowers upon the graves, it created a renewal of contacts amongst family and friends and they would come together afterwards in a park … or a family’s backyard and everyone would bring a contribution of food to the gathering – thus the birth of POTLUCK. This most generally was a perfect time of year for such a gathering, as it was the beginning of ‘perfect weather’ for eating outdoors.

Many people confuse the meanings and differences between ‘Memorial Day’ and ‘Veterans Day.’ Let it always be known and never mistaken – MEMORIAL DAY is to honor those in the military who have died for this country … VETERANS DAY is to honor ALL the military veterans – living or deceased. It is thanks to ALL of them that we are able to live the great life that we do today!