Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a United States Federal Holiday, observed on the last Monday of May (May 27 in 2024).  It is a Military Holiday that commemorates men and women who died while in Military service to the United States.  

• 2024 Date - It is celebrated on Monday, May 27, 2024
  
• 2025 Date - It is celebrated on Monday, May 26, 2025
• 2026 Date - It is celebrated on Monday, May 25, 2026
• 2027 Date - It is celebrated on Monday, May 31, 2027
• 2028 Date - It is celebrated on Monday, May 29, 2028

Memorial Day Meals, usually signal that summer is on the way, and barbeque season is opening.  What better way is there to celebrate our brave heroes, who have died serving our Country, than dusting off the barbeque, gathering family and friends, and celebrating with a wonderful barbeque platter, and all of the trimmings.  (See our Memorial Day Meals page for lots of tips!)

This is our Dad in 1953 during the Korean War as a 1st Lt. Smith. He was a pilot and had over 40 combat missions in Korea.

The Video below is titled "Remember Me" with the song "Pacific Wind" by Ryan Farish. This video was made by Lizzie Palmer, and has had over 32+ million views on YouTube since Nov 2006.

Memorial Day Facts

• It is always celebrated on the last Monday in May.

• Memorial Day originally honored military personnel who died in the Civil War (1861-1865)

• Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to honor their loved ones, as well as those who have died in military service.

• It was originally called Decoration Day.

• Memorial Day, now honors men and women who have died in ANY war, while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

• In 1966, Congress declared that Waterloo, New York was the originator of the holiday on May 5, 1866 when they closed businesses and decorated the graves of those who had died during the Civil Way.

• American flags are placed on each grave in National Cemeteries.

• It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day signifies the end of the summer.

• Veterans Day is a Military Holiday to remember the Veterans, those who have died, and those that are still alive, while Memorial Day is a day to honor just those have died.

• A tradition is to watch the Indianapolis 500, auto race which has always been held the Sunday before Memorial Day since 1911.

• The U.S. Flag should be raised to the top of the staff, and then lowered to half mast, where it remains until noon.  At noon, it is raised to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day.

Photo: Our Dad, Herb Smith as a 1st LT in 1956 in Augsberg, Germany where both my sister Kerry and I were born.  He served one tour of duty during the Korean War and two tours of duty during the Vietnam war.

US Military Tribute - the song "Far Away" by Nickleback

I really like the video above.  It helps to show just how many sacrifices, the brave women and men in the Military give.  Not only do they risk their lives every day, but they learn to live without all the comforts of home! When you watch this video, you realize that you really don't have anything to complain about!

I'm not sure why, but some have found the video offensive, so you have to click on the Watch on YouTube to watch it.

Medal of Honor

To learn more about some of those who have risked their lives, or lost their life and have received the "Medal of Honor", please check out the Congressional Medal of Honor Society!

According to "Wikipedia", "The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President in the name of Congress on members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." Due to the nature of its criteria, it is often awarded posthumously (more than half have been since 1941)".