Today is Memorial Day in the U.S. where we remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving their country. A national ‘howliday’ now, it was originally known as Decoration Day back in the years following the Civil War. On May 30, 1868 General John A. Logan, head of a Union veteran association spearheaded the decoration of the graves of fellow comrades who died in defense of their country. Many Northern states held commemorative events and reprised the tradition in subsequent years so that by 1890 each one had made “Decoration Day” an official state holiday. Still bitter about the loss in the Civil War, many southern states refused to officially recognize the day until after WWI and many southern states (Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Tennessee) held separate days honoring their Civil War hero’s. Memorial Day did not become the preferred name after World War II. In 1968 Congress mandated Memorial Day as the last Monday in May creating a three-day weekend for federal employees with the change going into effect in 1971.
Memorial Day is also the ‘unofficial’ beginning of summer and as is often the case, been turned into a shopping fest. We however, will mark the day with quiet reflection.
Please join us as we honor those who served and gave the ultimate price for the freedom we have been blessed and remember the two and four legged who served and gave their all.
We prefer your quiet reflection to all the hoopla these kinds of holidays inspire. I had no idea the history of the day – seems like that’s a good place to start in honoring the day.
We stayed home and watched the original M*A*S*H movie and then two episodes. My Dad served in the Merchant Marines on Liberty ships during WWII. My brother served here at home in the Coast Guard after graduating college in ’70. (His eyesight was too poor for the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marines.) And he retired from the CG after more than 30 years. The fireworks last night made poor Ducky a bit anxious, but she did well despite the noise.
Gawd, I wish these organizations would switch to laser light shows-cheaper and better all around. Veterans are also freaking out with stupid fireworks.
Leave it to us to turn a somber day of remembrance into one of sales, drinking and fireworks! We honored two young men who graduated from the high school I worked at and were both lost before their 20th birthdays.
We want to join you but our folks went away for the weekend and took the car and we can’t drive the truck cause it has a stick shift. Xox Xena and Lucy
In Australia and New Zealand the 25th April is set aside as ANZAC Day in which we not only remember the fallen of World War 1 but also the fallen of all wars that Australia has served in. The day begins with a Dawn Service – then breakfast. The Dawn Service is held in Turkey and France as well as communities across Australia and New Zealand. Shops generally remain closed until 11:30 – after the ANZAC Day March and the Service of Remembrance. I very rarely attend the March but I do attend the Dawn Service. From here, we do wish you a safe and peaceful Memorial Day.
We also will remember the day with deep appreciation and quiet reflection. But two burgers with cheese on the grill will be enjoyed. Your header and pups are gorgeous!
We honor and remember.
Wooftastic post!
Thank you🐾
We didn’t know the history behind Memorial Day.
I hope you had a pawsome & peaceful howliday🐾
💜nose nudges💜
I actually didn’t know all that, so thanks for the little history lesson! We did NOT go shopping on Memorial Day. We simply had a quiet day too.
Good for you! I thought the historical facts surrounding this holiday were quite fascinating.
We prefer your quiet reflection to all the hoopla these kinds of holidays inspire. I had no idea the history of the day – seems like that’s a good place to start in honoring the day.
Exactly. Memorial Day isn’t the day to shop for that mattress.
We stayed home and watched the original M*A*S*H movie and then two episodes. My Dad served in the Merchant Marines on Liberty ships during WWII. My brother served here at home in the Coast Guard after graduating college in ’70. (His eyesight was too poor for the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marines.) And he retired from the CG after more than 30 years. The fireworks last night made poor Ducky a bit anxious, but she did well despite the noise.
Gawd, I wish these organizations would switch to laser light shows-cheaper and better all around. Veterans are also freaking out with stupid fireworks.
P. S. That was a great movie! Loved it and the series.
Leave it to us to turn a somber day of remembrance into one of sales, drinking and fireworks! We honored two young men who graduated from the high school I worked at and were both lost before their 20th birthdays.
Great reminder about our brave four-legged military members!
I don’t think they ever get enough recognition for their bravery or all they’ve done for this country.
So true!
I recall (when I was young) some referring to the day as Decoration Day. Cheers to your tribute!
You look great in your patriotic bandanas and we hope that you had a wonderful day!
Thanks, Molly. Every day is a good one, some are just better than others 😃
We want to join you but our folks went away for the weekend and took the car and we can’t drive the truck cause it has a stick shift. Xox Xena and Lucy
🤣 You guys are too literal sometimes which is why we love you 😍 Hope the pawrents are having a good time.
They missed us so much that they came home. We both cuddled with them all night long.
They missed us so much thru came home early and we all cuddled all night in the bed. Xena and Lucy
Woohoo. Sounds like a happy ending story.
We remember those who have given so much for our freedom.
We fly our flag everyday proudly.
xo Astro and Mitzie
Good on you.🇺🇸
In Australia and New Zealand the 25th April is set aside as ANZAC Day in which we not only remember the fallen of World War 1 but also the fallen of all wars that Australia has served in. The day begins with a Dawn Service – then breakfast. The Dawn Service is held in Turkey and France as well as communities across Australia and New Zealand. Shops generally remain closed until 11:30 – after the ANZAC Day March and the Service of Remembrance. I very rarely attend the March but I do attend the Dawn Service. From here, we do wish you a safe and peaceful Memorial Day.
When I researched the origins of Memorial Day, I say the April 25th for the land down under. Belated wishes of remembrance to you. 🇦🇺🇺🇸
Always remember!
Have a wonderful day!
xoxo,
Rosy, Jakey & Arty
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Is that aquarelle of the dogs, in the header, new or do I need stronger eyeglasses? It is great!
It’s a watercolor. Your eyes are just fine. 😊
You made it?
Not this one-it’s an app from a photo. 😇
That was a wonderful Memorial Day tribute, I love that Photo, you both look spiffy in your red, white and blue!
Thank you, and thank you for swinging by our Ranch. We ❤️visitors!
We agree that it is important to remember our canine heroes who saved lives and gave their lives.
Our heroes come with both two and four legs.
Awww, you two are adorable and so patriotic. Today is a day to remember those that have given their all.
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday. ♥
Thank you, Sandee. We hope yours is a peace filled day remembering those who gave everything so that we could stay free.
Excellent insight to the historical origin of this monumental American holiday. Great post.
Thank you. Far too often people think it’s just a 3-day weekend to buy things on sale.
Exactly. Thank God that true patriots thrive forever to keep the scales of justice balanced.
As I naturalized citizen, I take this stuff serious.
Everyone like you is what makes America the most sought country in the world for citizenship. Truly amazing.
Thanks for the history. Wishing you a peaceful day, Monika.
We think it’s ‘impawtant’ to know some background about today’s celebration. It’s not just about saving 20% on mattresses. 🙂
So true.
Wonderful reflections.
Happy Memorial Day to you and yours, Monika.
Thanks, Marc…wishing you a safe and happy Memorial Day. ☮️
We also will remember the day with deep appreciation and quiet reflection. But two burgers with cheese on the grill will be enjoyed. Your header and pups are gorgeous!
Aww, thank you for the kind words about the header. Two burgers with cheese sounds like a good way to reflect. ❤️
we remember with you and we wish you a wonderful start into a good summer
And a happy Wiem summer to you!
We remember!! We also LOVE your photo of Sam and Elsa! Have a safe Memorial Day!
Thanks, Dakota. Here’s hoping your ‘howliday’ is safe and peaceful. 😍