Here at Yard Market, we celebrate Memorial Day weekend with plenty of fun, excitement, and remembrance. We recognize our service members and those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. We want to show our gratitude this weekend by having a special discount redeemable at checkout for our veterans. Each veteran, with identification card, who purchases $50 or more worth of product will receive a $25 gift card! We will also be having a packed weekend of other specials Friday through Monday to end the month of May with a bang!
Our specials include buy 2 and get 1 free on shrubs sized 2-5 gallon. All perennials are buy 2 and get 1 free, hanging baskets are buy 1 and get 1 free, and annuals are buy 2 and get 1 free. Any tree $300 or more will have a $50 discount and any tree $600 or more will have a $100 discount. We have a lot of inventory stocked up at our garden center, so be sure to take advantage of these deals now while they last! As always, we will be grilling on the patio on Saturday so please enjoy our complimentary burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and beverages. The weather is looking to be nice and sunny, so we are excited to have a wonderful holiday weekend ahead!
Now to share some history on the background of how Memorial Day became a national holiday, and what it means for all of us Americans.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the last Monday in May each year. It's a day set aside to honor and mourn military personnel who have died in the service of their country. However, to fully appreciate the significance of this day, it is essential to understand its historical origins.
The Early Days: Decoration Day:
The roots of Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, trace back to the years following the American Civil War, one of the deadliest conflicts in U.S. history. It was during this time that various towns and cities across the nation began hosting spontaneous tributes to the countless fallen soldiers. They would decorate their graves with flowers, flags, and other signs of respect - hence the name 'Decoration Day'. While numerous communities lay claim to being the birthplace of this tradition, it was Waterloo, New York, that was officially designated as such by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. Decoration Day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868. This date was chosen by General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, not for its significance in any particular battle, but because it was a time when flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
From Decoration Day to Memorial Day:
As the decades passed, Decoration Day gradually became known as Memorial Day, a term first used in 1882. However, it wasn't until after World War II that this name became more common, and it was not declared the official name by federal law until 1967. Initially, Memorial Day was a day of remembrance for those who had lost their lives in the Civil War. However, following World War I, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, not just the Civil War.
Uniform Monday Holiday Act:
Until 1970, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, regardless of the day of the week. But that changed with the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, which moved the official observance of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May to ensure a three-day weekend. This change went into effect in 1971 and has been the practice ever since.
Traditions and Customs:
Many traditions have emerged around Memorial Day. The U.S. flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day. Additionally, a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. Other traditional observances include visiting cemeteries and memorials, as well as participating in parades.Moreover, many people take the opportunity to kickoff the summer season, engaging in various outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.
Memorial Day carries a rich and poignant history, a testament to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation. As we enjoy our long weekend, it's important to remember the holiday's original purpose: to honor those who have fallen and ensure their sacrifice is not forgotten. Whether through a moment of silence, a visit to a cemetery, or simply a heartfelt toast to their memory, let us take the time to pay our respects to America's heroes.
Enjoy our collage of pictures from this year,
lots of awesome looking inventory to start the season!
Comentários