Sunday, May 29, 2011

What Is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, it and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
I am so grateful to Kirk's family for teaching me about "Decoration Day"
I had never decorated a family members grave (I didn't even know that was done)
And as far as I had known none of my family had died during a war...
Kirk's family has...
In Italy...
His family never had the opportunity to say bye or to visit where his body has been laid to rest.
I know there are so many other's that can not say that...

To those who have served...

I love Memorial Day...
I love going and decorating graves,
I love having family picnics,
I love knowing why we celebrate this weekend,
AND I LOVE
 being an American.

5 comments:

Make Money For Free said...

Excellent!! On this Memorial Day. This was interesting and very informational. I had no idea it dated back so far and that there is still some controversy about the date. Thank you for the tribute.

Perfect Poker Profit Pointers said...

Support the troops. Support peace. Support truth. Support justice. You can't support the troops by supporting our present foreign policy of imperialism, deception, conquer and conquest. Imperialism robs a nation of money, blood, and SOUL. Support our troops / risk your life, your reputation your cushy governmental and military jobs and support peace and ending the wars.

Saimi said...

Wonderful tribute Janice!

Stephanie Faris said...

Beautiful tribute. So sorry for what Kirk's family had to go through. I've had family that served in wars but never any deaths. That has to be such a tough thing to go through.

Mindy H. said...

You are always so good about reminding us of the reason behind these very special days! Thanks for the education and encouragement!