9 Facts about Memorial Day

#1 – The intent of Memorial Day is to honor those who died
in service to the country.

#2 – Memorial Day was first observed after the Civil War, but
honors all those who died in the wars since.

#3 – Originally known as “Decoration Day,” because the
graves of the war dead were decorated with flowers.
#4 – The flag is flown at half-staff on Memorial Day.

#5 – The traditional holiday was celebrated on 30 May. In 1971,
 it was changed so it was celebrated on the last Monday of May.

#6 – Waterloo, NY is considered the birthplace of Memorial Day,
since they proclaimed the day as a day of remembrance on 5 May
 1866.

#7 – It’s a tradition to wear red poppies honoring those who died.

#8 – New York was the first state to officially recognize the
holiday  in 1873.

#9 – Taps is a military song played on a bugle to honor war
dead.

**Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery is in Belgium, near the
 German border. American War dead from World War II are
buried there.  For over 70 years the graves have been
 adopted/care for by Belgium residents who still appreciate
what America did for Belgium. You can find more info and
 pictures here at:
http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/henri-chapelle-american-cemetery#.VWNty0rn_Gg

I’m a U.S. Army veteran having served in the active duty
 military from 1986-1997. For me, Memorial Day is more
 than just the start to the summer season. Throughout the
years since the inception of this nation, brave men and
women have given their lives to protect the freedoms
we now enjoy. I understand that to the bone. I put my
 life on the line to help protect our freedoms. To honor
that sacrifice, it’s important to respect those who lived
and died for our country. Wear a poppy today. Pause at 3
pm and offer up a moment of silence. Listen to Taps.
Place a flower or flag at the grave of a loved one who
 served. Most importantly, teach your children to honor
 those who sacrificed their lives.  Both my sons are scouts
 – one is a cub scout and one is boy scout. This past
weekend, they placed flags at a local cemetery and I can’t
tell you how proud I am of them for that.

For those who have a loved one who died, I thank you
for their sacrifice. Enjoy the holiday and your BBQ, but
don’t forget the meaning behind this day.


FOR YOU: Do you have a loved one who passed or do
 you know a veteran? Share – who are they and what
branch of the military did they serve? I’d love to hear your
stories.