Today is Memorial Day in the U.S., a day where we remember those who died in the service of their country’s armed forces. Originally known as “Decoration Day” back in 1868 following the American Civil War by the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union organization of veterans, as a day to decorate flowers on the graves of Union war soldiers. Confederate groups celebrated on a different day but eventually both Union and Confederate supporters merged their commemoration of all war dead on what we now know as Memorial Day.
The transformation from “Decoration Day” as first used in 1882, to “Memorial Day” wasn’t common until some time after World War II. The name was officially recognized in 1967. When Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act on June 28, 1968, Memorial Day was changed from the traditional May 30th date to the last Monday in May creating a 3-day weekend and it became effective in 1971. The change initially caused some confusion and a certain amount of noncompliance but eventually all 50 states adopted it.
So on this date we here the Ranch acknowledge the service of the servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy ‘howliday.’
Live, love, bark! <3
Beautiful picture
Thanks for that, I had no idea.
What great information, thanks for sharing!
Hope you are having a safe and fun day also.
Thank you, my friend! And a Happy Memorial Day to you, Wayne, and Sam as well!!
I did not know how Memorial Day began so thank you for this story! God Bless and have a wonderful holiday!
Thank you and a safe day to all at the ranch.