Next Monday is Memorial Day, a time set aside to honor those who have been killed while serving in the United States military forces. Don’t wish me a ‘Happy Memorial Day’. I think that’s the biggest oxymoron in the American vocabulary–it’s like saying, “Have fun at the funeral.”
A little background: in 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, people began laying flowers on the graves of soldiers killed in the bloodiest four years in American history. May 30 was referred to as Decoration Day or Memorial Day. In 1970, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Act designating the last Monday in May as Memorial Day, a federal holiday. Some of the usual parades and services honoring those who were killed fighting a war may be cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions.
In Durand, the Stars and stripes will line Center Street. The Legion members will visit each of the area’s cemeteries and place a small American flag on the grave of each veteran. To support veterans, the Durand Legion and Auxiliary sold poppies in Durand and Davis last Friday and Saturday. The Auxiliary will hold their annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Hall on Saturday, May 29, at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, May 30, at 2 p.m. (weather permitting) Medina Nursing Center will organize a Memorial Day Parade for the residents. People may decorate their vehicle, make signs, dress up their kids and pets in patriotic red, white and blue and walk, ride or drive. The lineup will be along Ruby Street and the parade will loop through the parking lot.
Memorial weekend is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer. Many things vie for our attention. Stores advertise bargains. Grills and patio furniture will be dusted off and picnics planed.
I urge you to take a few minutes to ponder the meaning of Memorial Day and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for our freedom preserved with peoples’ lives.
How will you observe Memorial Day?