As reported in the previous post, for the first century of Memorial Day, from 1868 to 1971, the holiday was always marked on the originally-designated day of May 30. Today being May 30, there’s a valid opportunity to briefly remember that previous custom but show some images of the holiday on the more recently-designated one of the fourth Monday in May.
Yes, there were car on sale and hot dogs being grilled from coast to coast this past Monday, but in the late mornings and early afternoons across the country in many small towns in every region, even in the Whitestone suburb of New York City, the same traditional ceremonies in town squares or parks near monuments built to honor those servicemen and women who fought for the United States in war but died on the battlefields were held.
After the solemn playing of “Taps,” the speeches and the benedictions, came the parades with those old soldiers and sailors who survived and returned home, ranging from World War II to the Iraqi War.
Everyone appreciates a three-day weekend, author included. So this is not some lament about the need to return Memorial Day to May 30, even if it falls on a Wednesday or Thursday. It’s not the date one pauses to remember those who gave their lives for their country – its the fact that we do remember.
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Categories: History, Holidays, Memorial Day
Tags: Memorial Day
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