It’s Memorial Day weekend and summer is upon us, unofficially anyway! Time for bar-b-ques, beers, pools, beach, sun; the list is endless. I thought I would have a new member of the team write this week’s blog for a change in voice and perspective. This week’s blog is brought to you by Lauren.
Hi FFfT followers! Lauren here. I joined the J2 team in February and am excited to be writing this week’s Friday Food for Thought. Did you know that Memorial Day was once known as “Decoration Day”? In 1868, General John A. Logan declared the first major Decoration Day observance on May 30th to honor those who died in the Civil War. It wasn’t until after World War I that the holiday grew to observe the American military personnel who died in all wars, not just the Civil War. Finally, in 1971, the day was renamed to Memorial Day and declared a federal holiday to be celebrated the last Monday of every May by Congress.
Enough with the history lesson. I was surprised when I learned that Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day. Although it seems quite informal, General Logan stated it was “designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country”. When you think about it, the rather casual name of Decoration Day was really meant to illustrate using this day to observe and honor the fallen by visiting and decorating cemeteries and memorials.
Regardless of the official name of the day, we remember the purpose and reflect and remember the fallen this Monday. Whether we choose to spend the long weekend at the beach, barbequing, having a party, or simply a quiet day of relaxation, let us spend a few moments to honor those who have given their lives for our country and appreciate the freedoms we have here in America!
Enjoy your day off! Just remember why you (hopefully) have one. 😊
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
Have a great long weekend.
Lauren