Although many think of Memorial Day as the official start to summer, we ask that you please take a moment to reflect on the meaning of this holiday, and the grave sacrifices that others have made.
Thank you to our military and veterans for all the sacrifices you have made for our rights and freedoms. Our thoughts go out to fallen soldiers, those who have lost loved ones who have served, and to all our soldiers and their families currently abroad.
Memorial Day is held on the last Monday in the month of May. This holiday is meant to pay tribute to American Soldiers who have lost their lives in service. It is also a huge day for travel. Around 36 million people take to the roads on this day.
Facts About Memorial Day
- The first Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30, 1868 and was originally called “Decoration Day”. The holiday was not called “Memorial Day” until 1967 when federal law declared that “Memorial Day” was the official name of it.
- This holiday originated as a way to honor Union soldiers that lost their lives when they were fighting in the Civil War. Because the southern states chose not to observe this holiday until after World War I was over, it was expanded to include soldiers who lost their life during any war.
- The red poppy is the official symbol of the holiday and many veterans are seen wearing one on Memorial Day. The inspiration for the poppy to represent fallen veterans came from John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields”.
- Although Memorial Day events are popular now, they reached an all-time low back in the 1960’s, but started to gain popularity again in the 1980’s.
- Until 1968 Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30th. It was moved to the last Monday in May so that it would mean a three day weekend for those that worked.
Places To Go
Since Memorial Day weekend is only a couple of days, most people who travel on this day are looking for somewhere to go to have a mini vacation while not traveling too far from home. If you want to go away for Memorial Day, here’s a few ideas:
Visit A National Park
Memorial Day weekend is an excellent time to take a camping trip. Many National Parks, like the Grand Canyon, are open 365 days a year and welcome visitors. Camping is affordable and a great way to spend one on one time with your family.
Go To A Parade In Another Town
If you want to get away from it all, but not go too far, consider staying at a nearby town and taking part in some of their festivities. Many towns are having parades and activities for Memorial Day. For example, since the National World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004, Washington D.C. has held a Memorial Day parade as well as concerts and ceremonies during Memorial Day weekend.
Take A Beach Vacation
A three day trip to the beach for Memorial Day will provide you with the relaxation and enjoyment that you may be looking for. There are a lot beautiful beaches available that have lodging nearby. If you are in Florida there are many great beach towns like Cocoa Beach and Panama City.
No matter what you do for Memorial Day, remember to honor a veteran. You can wear a poppy in honor of those who have lost their lives in service or send a care package to a soldier that is currently serving their country overseas.
