The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition, but the specific origin of Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was first known, are unclear. In early rural America, this duty was usually performed in late summer and was an occasion for family reunions and picnics. After the Civil War, America’s need for a secular, patriotic ceremony to honor its military dead became prominent, as monuments to fallen soldiers were erected and dedicated, and ceremonies centering on the decoration of soldiers’ graves were held in towns and cities throughout the nation.
No less than 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, and for many years, states observed the holiday on different dates. By federal law, however, Memorial Day is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. Since it all started with the Civil War, you might want to brush up on your knowledge of this event by visiting the Library of Congress Civil War collection, which includes more than a thousand photographs.
Ducks just love rain. They are quite happy to stay out in it, and they often preen their feathers and poke around in puddles. (The British refer to a rainy day as “a lovely day for ducks.”) They don’t even seem to mind snow or sleet, but they dislike cold and windy weather.
Advice of the Day
Use roll-on deodorant bottles again by filling with sunscreen, bath oil, or kids’ paints.
Home Hint of the Day
Brush kerosene lightly over the surface of glass that you’re about to cut. This will make the cutting easier.
Word of the Day
Lilapsophobia
The fear of hurricanes or tornadoes
Puzzle of the Day
What city was made by time and labor?
Baltimore
(When the letters of the words “time” and “labor” are combined in a certain way, they spell “Baltimore.”)
Born
Amelia Bloomer(reformer)–
Wild Bill Hickok(frontiersman)–
Rachel Carson(conservationist)–
John Cheever(writer)–
Paul Bettany(actor)–
Jamie Oliver(chef)–
Jade Carey(Olympic gymnast)–
Died
Niccolò Paganini(composer)–
Paul Gleason(actor)–
Events
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco opened to pedestrians only–
German battleship Bismarck sunk, WWII–
USS John F. Kennedy christened by 9-year old Caroline Kennedy–
The Ben Sawyer Bridge in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, became stuck open due to high temperatures–
Weather
Indianapolis experienced its latest freeze on record, with the temperature falling to 31 degrees F–
Lightning struck storm chaser in car in South Dakota–
The Ben Sawyer Bridge in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, became stuck open due to high temperatures–
