THOUGHTS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON MEMORIAL DAY.

This is a relatively new date for me to remember as in Britain we mark 11th November as our time to remember our veterans. And we don’t have another day to do that, but I feel we should. I was reading up on this time that commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States.

Formally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. I am told that volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries, and I think it is a good thing for people to visit cemeteries and memorials on this day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday and started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools and I believe many businesses and other organizations take a day off work. I find that interesting as we have a national holiday on Monday too.

Today has made me think of our much-missed author, Leslie McKelvey, she served on US Navy aircraft carriers. She was a heck of a character, I loved all her stories, which were influenced by her own services and that of her husband who serves in the police force. Her understanding of ballistics was incredible. Her knowledge was so brilliantly illustrated in her last book, Final Kill.

I would love to hear any views you might have on this day and would love to hear any plans you have to mark the day.

If you have anything you would like to add or share, I’d love to hear your comments here on the blog, the BVS Facebook page, or my Facebook page. We have a twitter page too, and we are always happy to follow people that follow us.