Happy Memorial Day from Nichols

Over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, many Americans will camp, boat, fish, hike, and grill with family and friends.

Although it may seem like Memorial Day is the “kick-off” to summer with a three-day weekend, we need to remember the true meaning of the day. It is a day to remember the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom here in the United States.

Here are 5 interesting facts about Memorial Day you might not know.

  1. Memorial Day began as a response to the Civil War, in which a total of 620,000 soldiers died.
  2. The holiday was made official by Major General John A. Logan
  3. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day for the practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags.
  4. It is customary on Memorial Day to fly the flag at half-staff until noon, and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset.
  5. The World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrea, inspired the Memorial Day custom of wearing red artificial poppies.

So, this weekend it is okay to enjoy time with your family, grill out and have fun, but please remember to show your gratitude for those who have fallen and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms in the U.S. Happy Memorial Day!

In honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, our offices will be CLOSED on Memorial Day – Monday, May 27…