Saturday Surfing

Memorial Day is the first day of summer.

Oh, I know…I know that “officially” it is June 21 but… Memorial Day always did it for me. It is usually the first day the public pool opened, the first day my Dad would let me go swimming in our pool… ( growing up in Pennsylvania… well May was NOT what it is in Texas). It signaled that it was now o.k. to wear white shoes and clothing…and it was the first cook out of the year for my family.

If that doesn’t say summer, what does??

Sometimes the reality and the meaning of the  holiday gets lost in all of the celebration and food. Bear with me a moment while I play homeschool mom and tell you a little bit about this important holiday.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. The first observance was on May 30 of that year when people put wreaths on the graves of both the Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery . It is interesting to note that the South refused to participate or recognize Memorial Day until after World War I. I am assuming it was because it was Yankee inspired. :::: grin:::::

After World War I Memorial Day was changed to honor all those who had died in the defense of their country.

In the years since Memorial Day has lost meaning for many, if not most Americans. This year President Obama will skip the traditional presidential  speech at  Arlington National Cemetary.. which I think is not only sad, but as a veteran (and the daughter of a veteran, and the mom of a man serving in the military) I think it is a slap in the face.

On Monday, while you are pinching that pie crust, and stirring that barbeque sauce, take a few moments to reflect on the sacrifice that millions of men and women throughout the history of this country have made for the freedoms that we  take for granted.  Not just the ones that died but the moms, dads, wives, husbands, and children that were left behind.

Millions of men and women are away from their families this weekend as the rest of us cook out, picnic, swim, laugh, and eat. A large percentage of those men and women are in danger as you are reading this.

Can this be the Memorial Day where we finally get serious about what it takes to maintain the freedom that we enjoy?  In the year 2000 Congress passed a resolution called The National Moment of Rememberance. It calls for all Americans to pause at 3 pm on Memorial Day, “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.”

Now, if you have stuck with me this much… are you ready for some surfing?

• Chili Cheese Fries Apple Glazed Baby Back Ribs
• Watermelon Blueberry Margarita from No Fear Entertaining
• Peanut Butter Brownie Cups from the Sweets Life
• Baking Bites Churros con Chocolate
• A Whisk and a Spoon Black Raspberry Ice Cream
• More Than Burnt Toast Fire Seared Antipasto Platter
• Spicy Tunisian Breads My Kitchen in Half Cups
• Daring Bakers Croquembouche Passionate About Baking
• Smitten Kitchen Strawberry Brown Butter Bettys
• Banana Coconut Ice Cream Pie Cake or Death?

Have a great Memorial Day… and spend a moment in gratefulness. It’s a good thing.

Pin It

Related posts:

1. Memorial Day: Surfing for the Best Menu Ideas Can you believe we are so close to Memorial Day? Do you make the same recipes year after year or try to change it up?...
2. Need Memorial Day Ideas? Every year I make just about the same things for Memorial Day. Isn’t that part of the whole holiday fun? Maybe it is just my...
3. Memorial Day Menu – Picnics, Potlucks, and Backyard BBQ Memorial Day is almost upon us and with it come family get-togethers, church potlucks, picnics, and long days by the lake. There are hundreds of...
4. Saturday Surfing – Ice Cream Social Memorial Day weekend is here and I thought you might like an ice cream social rather than the usual Saturday Surfing. We have lots and...
5. Saturday Surfing Mid-September. Autumn is here in many parts of the country and even here in Texas the night temps are dropping into the 60s. September has...