Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day in the U.S.

Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer, it is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country. In the U.S., it dates back to 1868, when it was originally called 'Decoration Day', a day set aside to for Civil War veteran soldiers to honor their dead comrades.

As is the custom, there will be a special ceremony at Arlington, the former home of Robert E. Lee. Did you know his wife, Mary, was the great-granddaughter of George Washington and that the estate was originally meant to be a memorial to our First President? Robert E. Lee and his wife lived there until it was seized by Union troops in 1861, and they never went back. Now it is our National cemetery, containing the graves of many thousands of people who died while in service to the U.S. and not a few foreign nationals, to boot.

By all means enjoy your day, but take a moment to remember, and maybe give something back.

Paralyzed Veterans of America works on behalf of soldiers who have spinal cord injuries or dysfunction, a medical problem that a lot of our returning Iraqi vets are struggling with right now. Donations fund spinal cord disease research and education, fighting for the rights of disabled citizens, the promotion of accessible design, sport activities and rehabilitative programs, and the search for a cure for paralysis.

Have a good one!