Hello SCVi Families and Friends,
For many Americans, Memorial Day is a day where we reflect on our military soldiers, grateful for their war service. We live in a country where we have the opportunity to spend the day with family and friends, enjoying the pre-summer day. What many of us may not realize is the history of Memorial Day. Despite our feelings about war, we have an obligation to educate ourselves and our children about our country’s history.
The holiday began on May 30, 1868, when Union General John A. Logan declared the day an occasion to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers. Twenty years later, the name was changed to Memorial Day. On May 11, 1950, Congress passed a resolution requesting that the president issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. President Richard M. Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday in 1971. Memorial Day is now observed on the last Monday of May. It is an occasion to honor the men and women who died in all wars.
Memorial Day for Kids (YouTube)
Have a great week!
Lisa Latimer, Kimberly Matthes, Elsa Williamson, Nicole Padovich and Malaka Donovan
The Leadership Team