I can’t believe that Memorial Day weekend is upon us!
It seems that we were just buried under record amounts of snow and wondering if we would ever see the grass again. Now we are preparing for the official kick off of summer!
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a holiday meant to honor and remember those who have died while in service to our nation. First observed on May 30, 1868, this holiday has turned into a large scale celebration of pride and gratitude.
While this three day weekend is a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends to celebrate the beginning of summer, it has a very serious root and I urge everyone to keep the true meaning of Memorial Day with them this year.
In 2000, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed which asks that at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”
My family enjoys attending a local parade on Memorial Day, many Western MA towns have them. It is a wonderful way to teach children the importance of remembering those that have given all to keep our country free and safe.
How do you celebrate Memorial Day in Western MA? Share your favorite parade, picnic spot or event.
