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Honoring Those That Fought To Keep Our Freedoms
May
What is Memorial Day? When most people think of Memorial Day, they may think of grilling out or an extra day off work. Most people also know it has something to do with soldiers. But, how did Memorial Day start and what do people do in remembrance of those fallen?
How Did The Memorial Day Holiday Start?
Following the lives lost in the Civil War, Memorial Day was started under the name Decoration Day. General James Garfield spoke on the first Decoration Day, and many people across the United States laid flowers on graves. This General was trying to make a national day of remembrance. However, even with this effort, many states continued to celebrate different memorial days according to the state’s preferences.
After World War I, the United States wanted one holiday that honored all fallen soldiers in the history of the United States instead of separate days for each war. The last Monday of May was selected because it did not represent a specific battle or war; it was able to stand for all of the fallen. The holiday became official in 1971 and has been celebrated since then.
How Is The Holiday Celebrated?
Did you know that on Memorial Day each year, the soldiers are remembered in a national moment at 3:00pm in each time zone? No matter what time zone you are in, when the clock strikes three, that is the national moment of remembrance. This minute is set aside to bow your head and remember those who have died to give us freedom.
Unofficially, Memorial Day is seen as the beginning of summer. During the three-day weekend, many families visit the beach or cook-out. If you want to celebrate this year’s Memorial Day in a tasty way, here is a quick recipe for some sweet coleslaw to eat with your Memorial Day burger!
Sweet Coleslaw
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 heads cabbage
- shredded 2 shredded carrots
- Stir the first six ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Toss cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
The secret to this coleslaw’s sweetness is the orange juice. Don’t leave that little taste out!
Remember when you are celebrating Memorial Day that you shouldn’t forget how it was started. Take a moment to remember those who sacrificed their lives for you.