Memorial Day is more than just a great excuse for a cookout and a day off from work. The holiday was created to honor the many American men and women who died in military service. This focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice sets it apart from Veterans’ Day, which honors all military veterans, living and dead.
The day was originally set aside to remember Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, but following World War I, its scope expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. At the end of the Civil War, many U.S. cities held their own memorial observations for their hometown heroes. The idea for a specific holiday came in 1868 from Illinois Senator John Alexander Logan, a former Union general and keynote speaker at one early observation. Logan used his position as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of Union soldiers, to issue a proclamation for a national “Decoration Day” to be observed on May 30 of that year by decorating the tombs of Union soldiers.
Beginning about 15 years later, an alternate name, “Memorial Day,” started cropping up from to time to time. The new name became more common after World War II, and in 1967 was declared the official name by Federal law. Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30 until 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, moving four holidays – Columbus Day, Presidents’ Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day – to designated Mondays in order to create the ever-popular three-day weekends. (Veterans Day eventually reverted to its traditional Nov. 11 date, which mirrors Armistice Day celebrations in several European nations).
If you notice a hole in the upper left-hand corner of your Farmers' Almanac, don't return it to the store! That hole isn't a defect; it's a part of history. Starting with the first edition of the Farmers' Almanac in 1818, readers used to nail holes into the corners to hang it up in their homes, barns, and outhouses (to provide both reading material and toilet paper). In 1910, the Almanac's publishers began pre-drilling holes in the corners to make it even easier for readers to keep all of that invaluable information (and paper) handy.
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This weekend is to honor and remember our fallen Military Men and Women…..We should take a minute everyday to think of the Men and Women who are serving now…..and every chance that comes along, Thank The Marine, The Soldier, As well As the ones serving in the Navy and Air Force. I believe for these great men and women, past and present, one day, one weekend, is not great enough for the unselfish bravery each and everyone holds.
My Point is, this isn’t the time and place to express our feelings about unpaid holidays, Presidents day/MLKjr day, trust me I completely agree…But this weekend is for our fallen and the ones who stood next to them………
God Bless them all, and Juan, God Bless and Thank You…..As well as to, my Papaw, my Brothers and my Husband
Have a safe and wonderful weekend
We should also take a minute to think about the men and women who are now serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Folks, this weekend take time and effort to thank the veterans who served our country in the military. Shake there hand or say thanks for serving and take a moment of reflection of the ones who passed/died defending our freedoms,rights and our daily way of life.
I to served my country during the vietman war, although I did now see battle I still had to serve my country as all young men should. It was an honor and if I had to do it again, I would. God Bless this great nation of ours.
I wish congress would not enjoy helping us so much. I perfer to keep the holidays as they were intended, not so much as to please everyone. Keep the orginal days. Most of us do not get paid holidays anyways.
Umm Presidents day? I remember in the 70′s celebrating Lincoln’s Birthday and Washing’s Birthday in February. They were not combined into Presidents’ Day until MLKjr Day appeared in January.
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