Remembering… Memorial Day- May 28th

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May.

Many VARC members and area amateur radio operators have either served or are serving in one of the branches of the armed service.  Please join with them in the remembrance of those who served with their lives in the defense of our great nation through the display of the stars and strips. Most of all please continue to pray for our nation on this special day of observance…