I always like to remind readers that today, Memorial Day, used to be called Decoration Day. Few are aware of that in these modern times, but isn’t that because only few of us have ever been told?
🙂
It may come as a surprise to some, however, Memorial Day used to be a special time set aside for Americans to visit the cemeteries. While there, they would decorate the graves of those who had given their lives in service to this country.
My grandmother and my mother shared that information with me when I was a little girl, so I am fortunate to have known that historic tidbit. But there’s a reason for that too.
You see, Memorial Day used to be celebrated only on May 30, and as that is my date of birth, each year my grandmother or mother would remind me of the holiday and it’s meaning. Which of course I loved.
They would always say, “You were born on Traditional Memorial Day.”
Apparently, as the story goes, the powers that be decided Memorial Day should officially become the last Monday in May so that federal folks could have a 3-day holiday. The rest of us have come to enjoy it too! And now, all of us know the rest of the story (Paul Harvey).
Just my thoughts as we remember, and too, as we bring this 3-day weekend to a close.
🙂
Stephanie
Ecclesiastes 3:8 ESV
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
