This past week NATO Summit was held in my hometown of Chicago. What was interesting about all the NATO Summit preparation was what people knew and didn’t know about the purpose and meaning of NATO. There was a lot of commitment to insuring everyone understood the significance of this meeting of global leaders. That its mission was greater than being a magnet for individuals to exercise their Freedom of Speech. As I started to think about how much people learned about the NATO Summit it started to make think about Memorial Day holiday.
Yes, many of us are coming off a busy Spring with the Women’s Foodservice Forum, the National Restaurant Show, many business events and then the steady stream of personal events like proms, graduations, Mother’s day and every day life celebrations.
Many of us could be legitimately thinking, “Wow, I just need a break to catch my breath.” My response is absolutely “that’s why we have the Memorial Day weekend, a great three-day weekend. Let’s sit back, barbeque, go to the beach, take in sales, hang out with family and friends and definitely catch a breath!”
I also would suggest it is an amazing time to connect, re-connect and amplify the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Thanks to www.usmemorialday.org here is a little history:
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 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 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays)
Here are some terrific ways to take action thanks to www.usmemorialday.org
- Display a flag half-staff until noon
- Visit grave sites of those who have fallen and leave some flowers
- Acknowledge someone who may have lost a friend or family member
- Celebrate Family and American history
- Attend a Memorial Day Parade
- Wear a Memorial Day Poppy
- Take one minute at 3:00 pm for a Moment of Remembrance
As we prepare for Summer, what a wonderful moment for us all to take a breath and honor the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country to protect our freedom and our country. We are indebted and grateful to each and every one of these brave individuals for their dedication, heart and service so we can all enjoy the freedom of every day!
Here is some information on NATO from the ChicagoNATO.org:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, is a political-military alliance made up of 28 member countries, including the United States. Formed in 1949, NATO has played a unique and essential role in maintaining security and stability throughout the past six decades. It has grown and adapted to changing political environments and security challenges and, with enlargements, partnerships, and peacekeeping missions, has proven itself to be a continuingly effective Alliance.
Have a safe & Happy Memorial Day!!!