Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. Service Members who died while in the military service.

First enacted by an organization of Union veterans - the Grand Army of the Republic - to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Every year we meet Marks parents, my sister-in-law, niece and nephew in the next town to enjoy the Memorial Day Parade. Although a very short parade, we love to see the veterans of war, town officials, fire trucks, boy scouts, girl scouts and school marching bands pass by. Sometimes the kids are lucky enough to grab some candy thrown out by the parade marchers.

Jack always talks about how he wants to be in a parade, although he doesn't know if it will be driving a fire truck, in a band or in boy scouts like Daddy did many years ago.

This shot is of Jack and his cousin Hannah as the veterans of war pass by.