Remembering Memorial Day

[pk]

Just read this article and found it an interesting. . . .


For many, Memorial Day brings to mind images of parades and picnics, of barbecues and baseball games. What's sometimes forgotten are the reasons for the holiday: The sacrifices made by American soldiers in times of conflict.
As the United States' death toll passes 1,000 in Afghanistan, Memorial Day takes on an especially poignant meaning this year. Here's a brief look at how the holiday got its start, and how people are searching for ways to honor the brave men and women who have lost their lives.

FULL STORY HERE:
The Buzz Log - Remembering Memorial Day - Yahoo! Buzz

[pk]

An official holiday
This may come as a bit of a surprise, but Memorial Day, despite having been around for over 100 years in one form or another, didn't become an official federal holiday until 1971, when Congress passed the National Holiday Act. This created a three-day weekend at the end of May. Prior to this, different states observed the holiday on different days.

This part of the article surprised me. I do not remember Memorial Day not becoming an actual holiday until 1971.

Anyone remember this happening?

[dgridley]

Alot feel that making Memorial Day always fall on the last Monday of the month, thereby creating a 3 day weekend, is disrespectful and feel it should be observed on May 30th..

I don't recall when it became a holiday, no..

Originally Posted by pk

This part of the article surprised me. I do not remember Memorial Day not becoming an actual holiday until 1971.

Anyone remember this happening?

[dgridley]

Anyone else feel this way?

I know I always hate when observances become "holidays" and thereby lose their true meaning..

Originally Posted by dgridley

Alot feel that making Memorial Day always fall on the last Monday of the month, thereby creating a 3 day weekend, is disrespectful and feel it should be observed on May 30th..

[pk]

Again it's all about money and making it a 3 day holiday and the first of the summer many will go camping, start vacations, cook out, etc and money will be made by many business's. Sad. It does take away from the true meaning of what this day is all about.

[dgridley]

I'll bet very few actually observe it the way it's meant to..

[pk]

My son's class went out today to one of the cemetaries and placed the flags out.

My sister and her husband use to do it every year also.