Monday, May 28, 2012

Decoration Day

The old name is still used in the southern highlands, even though everyone knows it's officially Memorial Day. It's an occasion for families to gather that goes well beyond simply placing flowers on the graves of departed loved ones. Many do that year round anyway, since the advent of inexpensive, realistic, artificial flowers. But Decoration Day is a time for family get-togethers; a time to catch up on births, deaths, and marriages; a time to trace genealogies; and a time to reaffirm self, family, and place. It's one of our cultural anchors.


2 comments:

  1. Great shot and neat history. Forgot about "Decoration Day."

    Darryl and Ruth :)

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  2. I have spent my day watching wreaths being laid, and names of new casualties of war being read out loud.
    A day of Remembrance, to be grateful for those who serve, and families who shared a few moments of their time together, in this busy world.
    Hope you had a lovely Memorial Day.
    ~Jo

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