Thursday Thirteen - 14th Edition

Thirteen things about Memorial Day: Here are 13 things about Memorial Day some I knew and some I didn't know. Please don't forget to take a few moments on this long weekend to remember the men and women who have lost their lives securing our freedom. 1. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. 2. It was first observed on May 30, 1868 to remember fallen Civil War soldiers. 3. Several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, these include: Columbus, MS; Macon, GA; Richmond, VA; Boalburg, PA; and Carbondale, IL. 4. In 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, NY the birthplace of Memorial Day. 5. Waterloo was chosen because it began the tradition in May 5th, 1966 and had made it into a town event, where businesses closed and everyone decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags. 6.By the late 1800s many communities across America celebrated this tradition. 7. After World War I observances began for all soldiers who had died in American Wars. 8. In 1971 Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May. 9. Today the national ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetary. 10. A flag is placed on each grave. 11. A wreath is placed on the tomb of the unknown soldier. 12. About 5,000 people attend. 13. Several southern states still set aside a date to honor the Confederate soldiers - known as Confederate Memorial Day. Have a great Thursday Thirteen !!! Have a safe and fun Memorial Day!

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