The custom of decorating graves of those who gave their lives serving our country, began just after the Civil War. Women of the south brought flowers to the graves of soldiers from the north and south. Later, Memorial Day was designated an official holiday, the date, May 30th. Now it is observed the last Monday of May.
People around the country still bring flowers to the little country cemeteries and the larger cemeteries in towns. There are also ceremonies of remembrance.
Memorial Day signals the official beginning of the summer season. While we enjoy this holiday, we pause and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and our family members who are no longer with us.
We leave for the lake tomorrow afternoon. We'll spend the holiday with family, enjoying fishing and relaxing. We will also be remembering.
Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day!
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These photos were taken at Sacred Heart Church. J and his family have been members of Sacred Heart Parish since the early 1940's. The statue was given by J and his brothers, in memory of their parents and brother. Recently, a rose garden was planted near the statue. The white rose is the Pope John Paul II, Commemorative Rose.