Memorial Day Weekend

It’s the first holiday of the impending summer season. Pools open around Richmond and other locales, many people head for the beach, and backyard chefs fire up the grill.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it was first observed a few years after the end of the Civil War. More American lives were lost in that one war than any other conflict involving the United States, and it caused the creation of national cemeteries. Since World War I, all military war dead are honored.

In 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that moved Memorial Day from the 30th to the last Monday in May. It went into effect in 1971 and declared Memorial Day a federal holiday. A national moment of silence occurs at 3 o’clock local time.

You can read the full article that helped to write this week's blog and learn more about Memorial Day at History.com.

Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, get together with family and friends, and, as always, Happy Writing.