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While there are many Americans who take advantage of Memorial Day as an opportunity for a three-day weekend trip to the lake, beach, or for a family cook-out, we should acknowledge the real reason for Memorial Day.<\/p>\n
This is the day set aside for honoring those who have fought to keep our county safe from harm, and we have been doing so since the Civil War. After the Civil War, General John A. Logan issued a decree that May 30th will be known as a national day of commemoration and, initially, was known as Decoration Day, typically celebrated in the spring.<\/p>\n
Decoration Day started as an informal day of remembrance for those heroes who gave their all for the cause! It didn\u2019t matter whether they fought for the North or the South; both sides had their heroes, and the blood that was shed was for all Americans.<\/p>\n
In 1971, Federal law made the last Monday in May the permanent, official, observance of Decoration Day and renamed it Memorial Day. These days, honoring the fallen is scattered on various days within each community by placing flags, flowers, or some other token, on the graves of soldiers.<\/p>\n
As the USA became embroiled in World War I, more men and women were laid to rest. As we continued to fight for freedom in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Middle East Wars, more and more of our brave men and women have given their lives for the cause of freedom.<\/p>\n
One of the traditions that many Americans are unaware of is that the American Flag should be raised at half-staff until noon, then raised to full height. Another is that at 3 pm local time, all Americans should pause for the National Moment of Remembrance.<\/p>\n
Please take this day of remembrance and support our many veterans! If you\u2019re not sure how you can help, just reach out to any of the dozens of Veterans\u2019 support groups to volunteer. Whether it\u2019s a monetary donation or a donation of your time, it will be appreciated. You can start with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website where it will list opportunities.<\/p>\n
Three cheers for our GI Joes and GI Janes!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"