Most people think that Memorial Day is a three-day weekend with party and celebration with friends of family. But do you really know the reason behind Memorial Day? So as you enjoy the Indianapolis 500, BBQ picnics with friends and the official launch of summer, take a moment to remember the reason for the day.
Memorial day is a Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May and was previously named Decoration Day, which commemorates US men and women who perished while in the military service to their country. Originally started to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action. Memorial Day first was celebration on May 5, 1866 in Waterloo, NY.
Since then it appears that many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of the holiday. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”
8:15am – Elmlawn Cementary – Tonawanda
8:30am – Busti Memorial Day Parade – Lakewood
10:00am – Memorial Day Parade – Jamestown
11:00am – Ken-Ton Memorial Day Parade – Delaware/Sheridan
1:00pm – Memorial Day Services – Matthew Glab Post #1477 Lackawanna
Other events this Memorial Day Weekend
| Memorial Day Opener | ||
| May 2010 | ||
| 12:00pm & 2:30pm | ||
| Step back in time aboard the last operating steam train excursion in New York State! Two hour round trip season opener. Visit our snack bar, mini museum and souvenir shop. Old fashioned fresh “popped” popcorn and refreshments available at our “concessions car” during your trip. Great family fun! h/c access, $ | ||
| Arcade | ||
| 278 Main St, Arcade 14009 | ||
| www.arcadeandatticarr.com | ||
| 585-492-3100 | ||
| Memorial Day Service | ||
| May 2010 | ||
| Sa 10am | ||
| This moving worship service is a gathering of churches, families, friends and neighbors featuring hymns, songs, meditations on courage, sacrifice, and rededication. h/c access | ||
| St. John‘s-Grace Episcopal Church | ||
| 51 Colonial Cir., Buffalo 14222 | ||
| www.stjohnsgrace.com | ||
| 885-1112 | ||
| Memorial Day Weekend Dog Wash | ||
| Sat. May 29 2010 | ||
| Saturday – 10am to 2pm | ||
| Emeritus Senior Living in Williamsville will hold a dog wash to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m on Saturday, May 29 between the two locations on the corner of Bassett Rd. and St. Gregory Ct. The staff will be washing dogs for a $5 donation as well as offering refreshments and treats for four-legged family members. Call Pam or Katie at 688-4011 for more information or simply stop by. h/c access | ||
| Emeritus Senior Living | ||
| Corner of Bassett Road and St. Gregory Court, Williamsville 14221 | ||
| 716-688-4011 | ||
| Memorial Weekend Token Sale | ||
| Fri. May 28 to Mon. May 31 2010 | ||
| 10am-6pm | ||
| Enjoy 60 arcade tokens for $10 or 100 arcade tokens for $15 from Friday, May 28 –Monday, May 31. No coupon required! h/c access |
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| Adventure Landing | ||
| 2400 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda 14150 |
