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Memorial Day, A rich tradition continues in 2012

Memorial Day is a US Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. It was called Decoration Day, after the American Civil War, to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Southern womens organizations and southern schoolchildren decorated Confederate graves during the Civil War, but each region had its date mostly in May.

For those iKC members who do not live in the US, this day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. It is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. As a marker it typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

It also evolved into more general expressions of memory, as people visit the graves of their deceased relatives in church cemeteries, whether they had served in the military or not. It also is a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

No matter where you are in the world, we pause this weekend to also recognize the organizations that protect our knife rights. Those that stand for our right to collect and enjoy a long standing hobby. Wherever you are in the world (and our knife community lives everywhere on the globe,) we sincerely hope that you too have the ability to collect and enjoy knives.

Tags: Day, Knife, Memorial, civil, history, rights, war

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Comment by Sue OldsWidow on May 28, 2012 at 16:21: The American Legion Auxiliary salutes all of America's heroes: past and present.

We remember and honor those who died for our freedoms as well as those who are currently serving our country. Today, on Memorial Day, let us also remember the many military families making sacrifices in support of their beloved servicemembers.

Comment by Lee Saunders on May 26, 2012 at 21:39: If you have a chance check out this Memorial Day post We All Should Carry the Burden by two tire tirade.

And Jan, you are right even in California we spend time cleaning the graves of our veteransd and their families bringing food to injured and aged vets placing flags on the graves.

When I was very young the Memorial Day parade was probably the most important one with the VFW guys and Women's Auxiliaries, the Boy Scouts and school bands. I miss that.

Comment by Jan Carter on May 26, 2012 at 19:53: Decoration day is alive and well in Arkansas, as I am sure it is in many states. The families get together, clean up the cemeteries, have a picnic, honor and remember their loved ones. It is one of the things I miss about my moms area. To all that have served and the families of those that have fallen, THANK YOU.

YOU are the heart of this country

Comment by Robert Burris on May 26, 2012 at 19:25: My father and step father were both World War II Veterans. Every year we clean up their graves and put fresh flowers with a new small American flag. This is to honnor their efforts to keep the USA, FREE! God bless our soldiers.

Comment by Sue OldsWidow on May 26, 2012 at 11:22: As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.

We also remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray your peace, provision, and strength will fill their lives.

May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.