The girls and I had a discussion about Memorial Day. Surprisingly not many knew why we celebrate this day. Amazingly, some thought is was to start the “barbecue season”. For this reason, I had to enlighten them all. Blondes or brunettes, what is upstairs makes no difference!

Memorial Day was once called Decoration Day. This is due in part to the early traction of decorating graves with flower, wreaths, and flags.  This day is meant to remember those who have died in service of this country. It was first widely observed on May 30. 1868 to commemorate the Civil War soldiers who sacrificed their lives.  Some of the girls actually were aware of this, but none knew the exact day.

On the first national celebration, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery.

After, 5000 participants helped decorate the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.

Today, each year, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery.  Hence there is a ceremony and a flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. More than 5,000 people attend the ceremony each year.

God Bless America