Remember

Today is Memorial Day.  It used to be known as Decoration Day, where people would decorate the graves of soldiers with flowers.

An organized day of remembrance started in the years following the Civil War.  There is dispute over precisely when and where it started, so don't ask me to settle the debate.  At first, it was about honoring the Civil War dead, but eventually, other wars were folded in.  It didn't become commonly known as "Memorial Day" until after World War II.

It used to be celebrated on May 30, but in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to create three-day weekends for a number of holidays.  Thus, starting in 1971, Memorial Day has taken place on the last Monday in May. (So don't check for mail today).

So let's take some time out and think about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.