Decoration Day

Did you know Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day? It originated around 1868 when Civil War graves were decorated with flowers to honor the sacrifice of both the Union and Confederate soldiers. In 1967 the United States Congress renamed it Memorial Day and made it a national holiday, paying respect to the dead of all of America's wars. It is celebrated each year on the last Monday of May. What does Memorial Day mean to you? To many people it means the official beginning of summer, the  Indianapolis 500, opening day for the neighborhood pool, and permission to wear white shoes which are otherwise taboo during all other seasons. The weekend is filled with lots of family togetherness at parades, picnics, and barbecues. It's also fun to take advantage of all the Memorial Day sales at the local stores and online too. The activities of this weekend in May each year are definitely highlights on the social calendar, but let us never forget the real meaning of the day. Memorial Day is in fact a U.S. federal holiday established to pay tribute to our military veterans, specifically the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces whom have died while in the service of our country. In addition, many families also take the opportunity on this special weekend to remember dear family members whom no longer have a physical presence in their lives. So to continue the tradition set by my parents and their parents before, we attend a local memorial service and then make our commemorative cemetery rounds every Memorial Day weekend. 

 

We usually visit the deceased military members of our family interred at  Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Jefferson Barracks Cemetery was established as a national cemetery in 1866. It is one of the nation's oldest interment sites of the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Also, on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend approximately 5000 area  Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers gather to place an American flag on over 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks in about two hours time. This tradition has spanned more than six decades and is one of the longest running Memorial Day events within the Boy Scouts of America. It is truly a sight to behold!  So in the midst of all the fun activities the Memorial Day weekend offers, please set aside a few minutes to remember and give thanks for those whom have died while serving our Nation to preserve our principles and freedoms. We, the  team at Zoey's Attic Personalized Gifts, remember. Special wishes also to family and friends for a safe and enjoyable holiday.