Memorial Day...much more than a cookout.

As we approach the Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Dan's would like to remember those who have lost their lives to give us freedom.

Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.

Memorial Day Trivia:

• Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died serving our country.
• General John Alexander Logan ordered the Memorial Day holiday to be observed by decorating the war dead.
• On Memorial Day, the flag should be at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.
• Red Poppies are recognized as the Memorial Day flower.
• “Taps” is often played at ceremonies on Memorial Day.
• Memorial Day was first called “Decoration Day” because of the practice of decorating soldier’s graves with flowers.
• New York was the 1st state to officially recognize Memorial Day.
• Flowers and flags are the two most popular items people use to remember soldiers.
• The south refused to honor the dead on Memorial Day until after World War I when the meaning of Memorial Day changed from honoring civil war dead to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.
• Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971.