Memorial Day originally known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1970, it is observed on the last Monday of May.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many volunteers place American flags on the graves of military personnel in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer.
The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. This national observance was preceded by many local ones between the end of the Civil War and Logan’s declaration. Many cities and people have claimed to be the first to observe it. However, the National Cemetery Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams with originating the “idea of strewing the graves of Civil War soldiers—Union and Confederate” with flowers.
Official recognition as a holiday spread among the states, beginning with New York in 1873. By 1890, every Union state had adopted it. The world wars turned it into a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who fought and died in service. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as “Memorial Day” and changed its observance to the last Monday in May. We salute and say THANK YOU!
AMVETS POST 44 – Fish Fry Fund-Raiser
Held their official 2nd Fish Fry on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Over 140 people purchased and participated in our fundraising event.
Several AMVET Post 44 members did double-duty as chiefs, kitchen assistants, and other duties as assigned. A great time was had by all.
AMVET Steven Bradshaw, District 4, in his own words: “was also on hand to support our cause! Thanks, Commissioner!
I joined my fellow AMVETS Post 44 members for a Fish Fry fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Avondale Estates. I am so proud to be a member of this organization and support their efforts. The guys in the kitchen were working hard but they seemed to be having a good time. At any rate, the fish was excellent!! I thank all of them for their service to our country and their continued service to our community.
OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS AND TIDBITS
While on a cruise, AMVET Arthur Long attended a Memorial Day service and 100th Birthday celebration for Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey, III, a Tuskegee Airman. Wow how awesome is that! We salute you, Sir!
AMVET 2nd Vice, Roy Montgomery attended an Awards Ceremony presenting awards at one of our local JROTC High Schools
AMVETS MEMBERS honoring memorial day Veterans with Montgomery-Green Post 220.
