Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day,(my grandmother called it this) it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day", which was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. (Thank you Congress I love a three day weekend) The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted Congress' change of date within a few years. (whew)
Memorial Day 2020 will soon not be forgotten, for in Catasauqua we are still in the RED Zone of the Covid 19 Quarantine. So gatherings, parties and picnics are not a good idea unless it is with your family that you been stuck with for the last 146 days - yes it has been that long.
Yesterday I ventured to Lowe's, which is apparently the gathering place for the world - I haven't seen so many people since this all began. I got some fertilizer and tomato plants, and apparently an impossible to open propane tank replacement, which is going to mean a return trip to people central to either find someone bigger and stronger than me or get a new tank.
So today we will have grilled (hopefully) chicken and potato salad and pretend for the day that this is normal.. I don't like the phrase the new normal, I don't want this to be our new normal As I sit here and write I see things around me that represent my normal, a bingo dapper, bills, and paper work. My new normal has hand sanitizer, gloves and masks to my right.Somethings from the Covid Crisis I keep just because they make me smile. Notes from my bff Cathy.
Yes, today is Memorial Day, a day to remember the fallen in Armed Forces, who secured our freedom and liberty. Today that is what I will remember.
and tomorrow, well, that's Another Day in Catasauqua
