Memorial Day Fun Facts

It's finally here.  The unofficial start of summer.  Let's have some fun with a few Memorial Day facts.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, a day that was set aside to decorate the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers.

In 1868 the first Decoration Day took place on May 30th.  May 30th was chosen so flowers would be in full bloom to place at grave sites.

Memorial Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1971 to take place on the last Monday in May.

Each Memorial Day, soldiers of the U.S. 3rd infantry place American flags at over 260,000 graves at The Arlington National Cemetery.

American flags should be flown at half mast until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to full staff until sunset.

Memorial Day is the second most popular day of the year for grilling.  The most popular, you guessed it, is the 4th of July.

The National Moment of Remembrance was established in 2000.  At 3 pm on Memorial Day, Americans are asked to pause for a moment of silence to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom.

That's really what this day is all about.  The men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Please drive safe and enjoy the day!