Memorial Day 2020

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

Concert in the Park

Well, summer has officially begun for me.  No it's not because it has been 90 degrees for the last two days.  No it's not because I put the air conditioners in and no it is not because it is Memorial Day Weekend - it's because I saw my first Concert in the Park.

A friend from my school days, Tim, told me to check out the band Reaction, that they would be playing the first Concert in the Park.  So, I woke Parke up and made him go with me.  He was napping because watching me carry and put in the 3 air conditioners tired him out.  Anyway - we headed down to the Catasauqua Playground.  It is a really short walk for us but it did help me get to the number of steps I want in a day on my fitness band-bonus.

We found a great spot at the top of the hill with a clear view and a breeze.  It was a vantage point to people watch and listen to the band. Great thing about the Amphitheater is that the whole area is in the shade by 7:00 PM

The band Reaction is a classic rock cover band.  The music is tight, I will give them credit for that. AND they definitely need to learn the first part of Free Bird, I have the feeling that the range might be too low for their lead singer, Luis Rivera.  He has a voice more like Axl Rose than Ronnie Van Zant and it is definitely a great rock voice.  The guitars, base, lead and rhythm are fantastic and the drummer is not bad at all, although I was not a big fan of his singing, Parke pointed out that he had the lyrics wrong.  That happened a couple of times, but unless your a purest like Parke it didn't really seem to matter.

They did songs from Cheap Trick, Journey, Kiss, Doobie Brothers and much more.  As the night went on they just seemed to get better and better.  We left after their second set.  Parke slept through supper so he was hungry.

There website is http://www.reactionrocks.com/home.html in case you want to check them out. They are also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/reactionrocks/?fref=ts.

All in all I give them two thumbs up and a shout out of thanks to Tim for pointing me in their direction. 

To the Band - learn the first part of Free Bird - let the drummer sing it. 

And now as I drink my first Margarita of the season - another sign Summer has begun for me, let me say this, "If I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me? For I must be traveling on now 'Cause there's too many places I've got to see....and that's another day in Catasauqua...rock on!

298 Names

Last year, I wrote all about Memorial Day - it's origins and who the holiday celebrated.  My Blog started as follows:

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.

We forget why we have the day off - it's not to picnic, to party, or to declare the unofficial start of summer.  It's to remember. 

Sure my weekend is full of yard work, but this morning, while I was doing my FAVORITE thing that I don't get to do much of anymore and that is read the paper with a cup of coffee in the yard.  I read one page in the Morning Call that made we remember what this day is all about and that was 298 names of those who have died since 2003 as a result of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars from Pennsylvania.  Some of those names are right from towns around us, Whitehall, Bethlehem, Allentown, Emmaus, etc.

298 Names.

It made me tear up, it made remember and it made me say a prayer for their friends and family who have suffered so great of a loss. 

Today the Catasauqua American Legion Post 215 makes sure we remember with Services as Fairview Cemetery at 10 AM.  The throwing of a wreath from the Pine Street Bridge at 10:15 AM.  A ceremony at 10:30 AM at the North Catty Monument at 10:30 AM. A ceremony at St. Mary's Cemetery at 10:45AM and then back to the Legion for a dedication at 11:00 AM.

So today, between the burgers, hot dogs, or like me - the planting of the tomato plants.  Take a moment.  Take a moment to remember those who have died while fighting while serving proudly the United States of America remember the
proud men and women of the Armed Forces. 

Take moment to remember 298 names. 

Take a moment........and that's Another day in Catasauqua.

S'MOREMAGGEDDON 2013

Last night I attended an event in Catasauqua known as S'moremaggeddon, hosted by BFF's Jaime and Rami.  From Rami I learned the history of the s'more, which is indeed, very interesting.

S'Morelius

S'mores were first invented by the Roman commander S'morelius, who invented the snack out of necessity during his campaign to recapture Nepal from the Malaysian cavalry.  When their rations dwindled down to just Graham Crackers, Hershey's chocolate bars and marshmallows.

Ben enjoying a s'more

S'mores were served before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Benjamin Franklin (inventor of the USB) declared "If freedom were half as sweet as this treat, I would gladly give my life for it and so much more! but  with a mouthful of melted mallow, Mr. Franklin's words sounded like "Shhhhmmmmoooooorrr".  His rousing speech gave this delicious food it's name, and finally convinced Canada to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Now please remember this was the history that was relayed to me and might not be completely accurate, although I am sure Rami would beg to differ.

General Patton celebrating S'Memorial Day

All in all is was the end of a perfect day in the S'Memorial Day weekend.  This was only the second time I ate a real s'more (the ones we make in the office with Hershey Minatures in the microwave don't count) and the first time every doing them over an open fire.  They were s'moretastic and tasted even more s'morelicious.

Rami provided not only the standard Hershey Bar, but also additional Hershey products such as the Mr. Goodbar and the Cookies and Creme Bars which made for s'moreprising taste treats.

Dana, another BFF, pointed out that the next holiday is the S'moreth of July but, alas, not everyone will be around for it.  Perhaps we can celebrate S'morabor

My s'more

Day at the end of the summer instead.

Even though I smelled like a campfire when I got home, I was s'more that happy with my tummy full of the delectable delights after the evening spent with s'moradorable friends.

I guess that is all for now, but remember, that's a S'moranother Day in Catasauqua. 

Memorial Day

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, 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 is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, living or dead. 

Today I was at an Iron Pigs game and they were celebrating Memorial Day Weekend with the singing of God Bless America and the song Proud to be an American.  You know,  I have said it before in my blog, I love Patriotic Songs - I stood up, I cheered and I got a tear in my eye.  Take time this weekend to remember the men and woman who died and continue to die to make this country free. Fly the flag!  Don't be afraid to show your patriotism.  Memorial Day is not just picnics, hot dogs and corn on the cob.  Take time to remember, have a moment of silence, sing or hum a patriotic tune.

Thanks, now go party (I have to go make some smores)  and that's Another Day in Catasauqua.



 

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War.



Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971).



Many Americans today 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.

This I did not know - but the proper flag etiquette for Memorial day is that the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country (and who still are). At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades,(I believe the American Legion in Catty still has a tradition that they still do) 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.

Something else I did not know - To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December of 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.

Since 1987, Hawaii's Senator Daniel Inouye a World War II veteran, has repeatedly introduced measures to return Memorial Day to its traditional date. Why, because Memorial Day is more that a 3 day picnic party weekend, it's not those special doorbuster specials at Kohl's, it is about those who lost their lives fighting for ours. So this Memorial Day, Monday May 30, let's try to remember to take that moment at 3:00 PM, I know I will.

and that's.....another day in Catasauqua