Guide to Safe and Drug Free Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a nationally observed United States holiday remembering and honoring all those who lost their lives in active military service to their country. It is observed on the last Monday in May each year, and in 1971 became an official federal holiday. It began after the Civil War as Decoration Day, a day to pay tribute to the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in America’s Civil War. By the turn of the century, Memorial Day had become a day to honor all Americans who lost their lives in military service. It has also become a holiday which traditionally marks the beginning of the summer vacation season.
Memorial Day Then and Now
More lives were claimed by the Civil War than in any conflict in our nation’s history, resulting in our country’s first national cemeteries. Circa the late 1860s, Americans across the country began holding tributes to fallen soldiers every spring, saying prayers over and laying flowers on the graves of the fallen.
Every Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. local time, there is a national moment of remembrance.
In 1966, the federal government officially named Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day. May 5th, 1866 marked the beginnings of Waterloo’s annual celebration of decorating fallen soldier’s graves with flags and flowers.
A nationwide day of remembrance in late May was called by General John A. Logan on May 5th, 1862. He named May 30th, 1868 as the day for decorating the graves of those who died in defense of their country, noting that their bodies were to be found in nearly every churchyard in the land. The date chosen for Decoration Day, as it was known, was due to not being the anniversary of any specific battle.
General James Garfield delivered a speech at Arlington National Cemetery on the first Decoration Day. The graves of 20,000 Confederate and Union soldiers buried there were decorated by 5,000 participants.
Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day over time, and after World War I, it came to include paying tribute to all American military personnel—men and women—who lost their lives in all wars.
Memorial Day Today
Today, America celebrates Memorial Day with parades, the largest being held in New York, Chicago and Washington, D. C; and many Americans visit cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects to the fallen. The tradition of placing flowers and the flag on a soldier’s grave is still honored.
Memorial Day has also become a holiday which officially kicks-off the summer season, and many American celebrate it with holiday recreational activities, barbeques and parties. Memorial Day Weekend now means traveling, cooking out, camping, swimming, boating and having fun with family and friends. Perhaps it can be viewed as a celebration of life in honor of those who lost theirs.
Memorial Day Guidelines
Many Americans will take to the road over the Memorial Day Weekend, heading for the beach, the mountains, the lakes, the campgrounds, or their favorite recreational haunt. Many will include alcohol consumption as part of the holiday activities, and some may be tempted to use drugs. The following commonsense guidelines can help make this Memorial Day a safe and fun time for all.
Travel Fun
Ensure your vehicle and your recreational vehicles (boats, trailers, motorcycles, off-road vehicles) have been serviced, and are roadworthy and ready for use.
Do not drink and drive. Do not drink and take your boat out on the lake, your off-road vehicle out into the hills, or your trail bike out on the trails.
The same goes for “recreational” drug use. It puts you and everyone around you at unnecessary risk of harm. It is never worth the consequences.
If those around you are drinking or using drugs, encourage them not to. Don’t ride with them in any vehicle, on or off-road.
Fun in the Sun
When outdoors, hats, sunglasses, long-sleeves and sunscreen can provide needed protection. Remember to drink plenty of water; stay hydrated and avoid overheating. Encourage active kids to drink enough water, and protect their skin from too much sun.
Fun in the Water
Ensure everyone in the family and the group knows basic water safety rules, and what to do in event of a water-related emergency. Wear life vests when boating and water skiing. Allow at least thirty minutes after eating before swimming, and do not swim alone. Keep an eye on your children at all times when in or near the water.
Picnic Fun
Keep your foodstuffs properly stored, and adequately refrigerated. Thoroughly cook meats when grilling or cooking over a campfire. Perishable food should not be left out for more than two hours. Keep in personal hygiene basics, including washing your hands with soap and water when you are handling/cooking food.
Enjoy a safe and sober Memorial Day Weekend in honor of America’s fallen soldiers.
