May 22, 2009
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Friday at last - and a long weekend too! Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off for summer. More than that, it is a holiday that serves to remind us of all American soldiers who have lost their lives fighting for our country. This is one of the few holidays that can be enjoyed without succumbing to the pressure to spend money on cards and gifts. It is a holiday that many families get together and celebrate with their own family traditions. Barbeques, picnics, a day at the lake, or a camping trip are all popular pastimes during this weekend.
The History Channel’s website provides some great information about the origin of Memorial Day, including a great 3.5 minute video that relays the history and meaning of the holiday that is sure to immerse you in the spirit of the holiday, and is perfect to share your kids.
Do you have a tradition in your family or workplace to celebrate Memorial Day? If not, it’s never too late to start one! Please share some of your traditions and the history behind them with us.
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Glenda Hinz said,
May 22, 2009 @ 8:59 pm
For as long as I can remember, my mom and grandma would cut flowers from the garden (peonies, iris, daisies mostly) and take to cemeteries and decorate graves of our family members. My grandma lived 2 hours away from us, and when I left home I moved to the same town she lived in. We would ride down home together on Memorial Day weekend for decorating graves and alumni banquets. When it got to the point where the ride was too much for her any more (probably around 80 y/o), she would give me money to purchase flowers and I would go down home and decorate the graves. I would take pictures so she could see how nice the graves were decorated After she passed away (12 years ago now), I continue this tradition and have expanded it to my husband’s family too. We decorate graves at 8-9 cemeteries each year. I wonder…will any of my kids continue the tradition?