5 Memorial Day Facts You May or May Not Know
1. Memorial Day was Originally Named “Decoration Day”
In 1869 Major General John A. Logan established Decoration Day as a day to honor the graves of those who died in the Civil War. In 1971 Decoration Day was changed to Memorial Day, placed on the last Monday in May and declared a national holiday by an act of Congress. It also evolved to include all wars to commemorate our American military.
2. National Moment of Remembrance
Observance of Memorial Day takes place at 3pm local time and asks Americans to pause in silence to honor our fallen heroes.
3. Memorial Day Flag Etiquette
To honor our American military, a unique flag etiquette was created for Memorial Day. At sunrise, the flag should swiftly be raised to full staff then slowly lowered to half-staff. This is to honor all the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. At noon, the flag is swiftly raised back to full-staff to salute all of those who have served.
4. Tradition of Wearing Red Poppies
This tradition originated from John McCrae’s 1915 poem, In Flanders Fields. As a WW1 brigade surgeon, McCrae was struck by the sight of the red flowers growing on a ravaged battlefield. The red poppy symbolizes honor and remembrance.
In Flanders Fields
5. Fun Fact
818 Hot Dogs are eaten per second during the Hot Dog season which begins Memorial Day thru Labor Day. What are some of your favorite toppings? Have you ever had a Lured Dog? House-Made Pimento Cheese, Bacon, Super Food Slaw, Mustard on an All-Beef Hebrew National Dog on Duke’s® Mayo “Buttered” Bun -Check out Lured Market in Lake Lure, NC for some delicious, hand crafted hot dogs this summer!! https://www.luredmarketandgrill.com/
