Memorial Day 2021
Memorial Day, the holiday where Americans get Monday off from work and spend the long weekend grilling outdoors, relaxing by lakes or perusing furniture store sales ads is in three days.
Although it has become synonymous with the kick-off of summer and corresponding activities, we just wanted to take a moment to share a little history and a personal experience.
TaigMarks Vice President and Art Director, Rob Hartzler paid homage to those who lost their lives in battle, by visiting Custer National Cemetery in Kalamazoo County, MI. A veteran, Hartzler described his experience as surreal. “It just blew me away to see so many gravesites in person. You can read about battles and battlefields and know the number of people who lost their lives but when you see the headstones in person it really puts it in perspective,” he said.
Memorial Day was recognized for many years before becoming a national holiday.
Although the last Monday in May became “Decoration Day” shortly after the Civil War, it was not officially recognized as a National Holiday until 1971. The day was observed by decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags.
Parades are a common occurrence today where we can join veterans in solidarity in honoring and remembering their comrades – the men and women who died during active duty.
While spending some time resting and relaxing this weekend, please take a moment to remember the origin of this holiday and if you are interested in a local parade, here are a few:
May 31 Memorial Day Parade Elkhart 2:00p
May 31 Memorial Day Parade Dowagiac 11:30a
May 31 Memorial Day Parade Edwardsburg 3:00p
May 31 Memorial Day Parade Middlebury 10:00a
May 31 Memorial Day Parade Cassopolis 10:00a
May 31 Memorial Day Parade Niles 9:00a
May 31 Memorial Day Parade Osceola 8:00a
May 31 Memorial Day Parade Goshen 10:00a
