That’s what I grew up with–Decoration Day. That’s what Memorial Day used to be known as up until Congress changed it from May 30th to the last Monday in May and renamed it Memorial Day. I think this happened sometime in the 60’s, or maybe the late 50’s. Maybe Decoration Day wasn’t as nice a concept for many people, ’cause the decorating was done to graves. It was probably the biggest day of the year for cemeteries when all the graves were loaded with flowers and flags.

We went to 2 different cemeteries in the morning–St Bernard where my mother’s family is buried and Calvary where my dad’s family is buried. It was a big family event and we were allowed to run free looking at all the graves and mausoleums. I guess that’s part of why I love going to cemeteries today.

The afternoon was spent at home or at another family member’s home or at a park where we would have fried chicken, baked beans and potato salad and either cake or watermelon for dessert. It was a great holiday ’cause it also meant the start of summer…and summer was endless back then.

Hope everyone enjoys a super holiday today, no matter what you call it. And hope the summer ahead doesn’t go by too quickly and feels as wonderful and endless as I remember from my youth.