As we celebrate this holiday weekend with cookouts and family gatherings, let us take a few moments to remember the more solemn nature of Memorial Day.
The official proclamation of Memorial Day was made on May 30, 1868 by the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, General John Logan. In his remarks at the Arlington National Cemetery, where flowers had been placed on both Union & Confederate soldier’s graves, General Logan stated, “…Let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor…” More recently, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance. On Memorial Day every American is urged to pause from what they are doing at 3 PM (local time) for a moment of national unity of remembrance
Let us raise the flag in remembrance to those who perished in defense of our liberties because freedom is not free! Let us truly remember and be grateful for the ultimate sacrifice that so many men and women have made in order to keep our freedoms alive.
Join me in honoring those men and women by attending Memorial Day events in your local community. Here are some of the events I will be attending this weekend:
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Cape Cod Cares for the Troops is holding a 24 hour vigil at the K-Mart Plaza in Hyannis from Sunday, May 30th @ 11:30 AM through Monday, May 31st at 12 noon. Please bring a donation for care packages for the troops (monetary or supplies – see www.capecod4thetroops.com for a complete list.)
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Centerville Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast: Monday, May 31st from 7:30 – 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Victory Church, Centerville.
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The Barnstable Soldiers’ Memorial Day Parade & Program: Monday, May 31st starting at the Centerville Library at 10 AM, going to Monument Square, forward to Beechwood Cemetery and returning to the Centerville library.
While Memorial Day is a recognition of those who gave their lives, let us also remember those who currently serve in our nation’s armed forces, as they continue to make sacrifices every day so that we at home can be safe.
