Memorial Day (Decoration Day) Has More Meaning Than Most Think.....
From www.usmemorialday.org:
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.
Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It 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. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.
On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.
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 observed in almost every state on the last Monday in May with Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 – 363). This helped ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays, though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19th in Texas; April 26th in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10th in South Carolina; and June 3rd (Jefferson Davis’ birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms. Michael. When she returned to France she made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children’s League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help.
Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their “Buddy” Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms. Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.
National Moment of Remembrance
The “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”
Enjoy The Day......
Do You Need Ceiling Panels, Light Fixtures Or Insulation Sections? We Have Them!
We're renovating and have acoustic ceiling panels (2ft x 4ft & smaller pieces), T8 light fixtures and insulation sections various sizes)..... If you are interested, please stop in... reasonable offers accepted.....
Last Six Days To Save 40%-50% Off In-Stock Dollhouse Kits... 11 To Choose From!
Last Six Days To Save 40% to 50% On In-Stock Dollhouse (& Lighthouse) Kits From Real Good Toys! We have 11 Different Types..... Sorry, No Layaways.
We've Made A Donation Of US$5,000.00 In Art & Craft Supplies To Seniors And Youth In Cheektowaga
Yesterday, we donated US$5,000.00 in art and craft supplies to the Town of Cheektowaga, New York, for use by Senior Services and for use by Youth & Recreational Services.
This continues a legacy of our founder, John Kavulich Sr., who always sought to support the community that supported his business.
We Made A Donation Yesterday... We Feel Good.
Yesterday, we donated US$800.00 in art and craft supplies to Camp Good Days and Special Times....
This continues a legacy of our founder, John Kavulich Sr., who always sought to support the community that supported his business.
Happy Easter..... We're Closed Today.
We're closed today..... Please enjoy the day with your family and your friends.... Relax and Reflect and Resolve.....
We Remember Our Friend, Esh.....
Our friend Esh, who passed on Monday, 10 April 2017....
First image: Esh in burgundy shirt. Second image: Esh in black cap and black shirt.
FLASH SUNDAY PRE-INVENTORY SALE!
FLASH SUNDAY PRE-INVENTORY SALE! All in-stock dollhouses kits are 40% off.... All sales final; no layaway; no holds. We're open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm today.....
We're Welcoming Cub Sout Pack 592 To Test Their Pinewood Derby Vehicles
On Wednesday, 12 April 2017, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, we will welcome members of Cub Scout Pack 592! Each participant will receive a 10% discount on Pinewood Derby supplies along with paint and glue.
More Bandai Gundam Plastic Model Kits Have Arrived!
More Bandai Gundam plastic model kits have arrived! Build them and then display them... so that others may appreciate them!
Show-Off Your Completed Model! We Have 150ft Of Protected Glass Shelving In Our Display Cases!
We now have 150ft of protected glass shelving on which you are invited to display your completed models! Bring them in anytime and select the shelf.... We will place a card next to the model with your name if you wish... and we hope that you do!
Our Sunday Slot Car Racers Are Getting Younger!
We're Open Today... 38ft of 70% Off Items!
We are open today from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.... And, we have remaining 38ft of 70% off art and craft items, and some Breyer Horse items.... Today is great for stocking-up on school supplies... and getting great deals!
International Women's Day.... Appreciate.
Gundam Builders!
This was from Saturday, 18 February 2017... The group gets larger with every monthly visit! Thank you!
Cub Scout Pack 592 To Visit- Testing Their Pinewood Derby Vehicles
Cub Scout Pack 592 will be visiting to create and test their Pinewood Derby entries! Each member of the Pack receives a 10% discount during the evening on Pinewood Derby products and related supplies.
What To Do On MLK Day? With Your Family, Read A Speech & The US Constitution
Today, Monday, 17 January 2017, is a Federal Holiday, Martin Luther King Day. Before deciding to watch television, play video games, go shopping or go to a movie, spend time with family and first read Dr. King's most famous speech and then read the United States Constitution.
Use this day for education, not entertainment...... To gain perspective....
"I Have A Dream" 1963 Speech Text
The United States Constitution