Memorial Day (Decoration Day)

Memorial Day is an Federally observed holiday to honor those men and women who died while serving in the military to preserve the integrity of our nation's security and freedom.  The observance began a few short years after the Civil War in 1868, by The Grand Army of the Republic, a group of Union soldiers in Decatur, Illinois.  Their purpose in instituting the day of acknowledgement was to decorate the graves of Union soldiers with flowers.  In the intervening years till present-day, Union and Confederate holiday traditions competed for preeminence.  Finally, one all-encompassing holiday was created...Memorial Day!  Sadly, the holiday has turned in to a day of big B-B-Q, beer drinking, and huge parades.  However well-intentioned these activities may be, the purpose of the holiday is clouded and lost on those who aren't aware of its true meaning.  Please take time to re-focus on the real design of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.  Until then, remember those who paid the price of our freedom and security.


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