The Start of Summer
Many of us have come to think of Memorial Day as the official start to summer. For most, the agenda for this holiday weekend usually includes pool parties, sizzling barbeques and baring pale skin on the beach for the first time after a long winter.
It is certainly a time of celebration, and it is also a time of reflection.
Memorial Day, officially called Decoration Day, was proclaimed by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1868. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”
Lyndon Johnson elected Waterloo, NY as the birthplace for this honorable day of tribute. In 1866, Waterloo established an annual observance, closing businesses and setting aside a day to lay flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers, and it is where the three-day holiday commenced.
And so, before the celebrations begin, let us take a moment this long weekend and honor all those who have fought before us, and let us remember the tribute they have paid for us all to live in this great nation.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend, from all of us at Hirshleifers.
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