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Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Grief shouldn't be a campaign stop
Holidays — our 'holy days' — are meant to meet the moment. Be joyful when it's a day for celebration. Be solemn when it's a day for mourning. Some are made for celebration, like Holi or Thanksgiving, with full plates and full hearts. Others ask us to reflect: Yom Kippur, Ramadan, Ash Wednesday. And some, like Christmas or Passover, mix both to honor the sacred while gathering together. Memorial Day was never meant to be cheery. Originally called Decoration Day, it was created in 1868 by Union Gen. John A. Logan as a nationwide day of mourning. May 30 was chosen because it didn't mark a specific Civil War battle, just the idea of loss itself. That first observance included a speech by future President James Garfield at Arlington National Cemetery, where 5,000 people decorated the graves of 20,000 fallen soldiers. For decades, Memorial Day honored only those lost in the Civil War. But as American wars stacked up — World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan — the day expanded. What began as flowers on graves became a national pause to remember every soldier who didn't make it home. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. And it's not 'happy.' We take the day off. We barbecue. We shop a little. But we also try — just a little — to remember. Because that's the point. These holy days only work when we respect their meaning. Someone should remind President Trump. This morning, he attended a ceremony at Arlington, joined by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Flags hung like ceremonial drapes. Soldiers stood in formal tribute. It was, for a moment, appropriately somber. And then he got online. On Truth Social, unlike any former president, Trump shouted his Memorial Day message in all caps. He sent 'HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY' greetings to the "SCUM TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY" and others he believes are persecuting him. Because grief, apparently, is no excuse to stay off the internet. Holy days deserve reverence. This one, especially, asks for quiet. For reflection. For gratitude. But for this White House, even remembrance is a performance. Even mourning is a stage.
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Memorial Day isn't just a day when businesses close
As a veteran myself, two sons currently serving and a family history full of veterans, I thought it appropriate to actually bring reference to this day and provide some clarity. Although in the United States Memorial Day unilaterally is a day to signify the start of summer, it is much, much, more than that. My first memories of Memorial Day date back the late 1960's in Simsbury Connecticut where the town virtually stopped on Memorial Day. Most families headed to downtown and gathered along route 10 (main road through town) and waited for the big Memorial Day parade to start. It virtually closed the town down for two hours so we could all support and wave small American flags cheering for the veterans who lead the parade down the street, trailed by the local police, fire trucks and other community members. When the parade was done, we went to the local downtown cemetery and walked trough seeing all the flags which were placed on the graves of fallen veterans. Memorial Day dates back to the early 1800's when it was first recognized as Decoration Day not as a celebration but to honor and place flowers on the graves of the war-dead, the fallen men and women who died fighting for our freedoms. According to history references, especially we have secured the most accurate reflection of this day. Some early articles suggest that in 1865 it had begun along South Carolina when groups of wives and families decorated graves of the fallen but the most notable date is May 30 1868. May 30, 1868 is recognized as the first organized event at Arlington National Cemetery for what later became Memorial day. Records indicate that Civil War General John A Logan suggested the end of May be recognized for observance to the fallen. Army General Logan asked and received the special day and it spread across the country, May 30th proclamation. Thanks to the writers and newspapers in 1919-1920 right after World War 1, the news of this great event/day spread across the country simultaneously growing to larger events, parades and gatherings for all who lost their lives serving in any war or conflict for this country. Memorial Day itself was said to have been formalized in 1966 by then President Lyndon B Johnson as "National Moment of Remembrance" but it wasn't until 1971 when it became an official federal holiday and changed from May thirty to the last Monday in May. Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, have a deep significance to Memorial Day. In November of 1921, the remains of a US Army Soldier during World War 1, was brought back from France and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, and the spot is now known as the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". The tomb of the Unknown Soldier becomes the annual wreath laying ceremony on Memorial day at 11 a.m, and is a national observance event typically attended by the President of the United States and many US Government officials and cabinet members. They will and are flanked by members from all branches of the US Military, veterans and spectators from around the world. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Fast Company
26-05-2025
- General
- Fast Company
What's open and closed on Memorial Day 2025? Stocks, banks, Walmart, groceries, post office, more
The temperatures are heating up and school's almost out for the summer. Before we fully dive into the warmer months and vacations, we get a mini-break in the form of Memorial Day weekend—a preview of coming attractions—but it requires some planning ahead because today (Monday May 26, 2025) is a federal holiday. Let's take a look at a brief history of the day and what business and services will be closed to observe it. A brief history of Memorial Day Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War. On May 30, 1868, John A. Logan, commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared the first national observance of Declaration Day, Memorial Day's predecessor, on which flowers were placed on Union soldiers' graves. Even before this declaration, there were many similar Confederate customs. Many cities on both sides claim to be the originators of the holiday. As more battles were fought, the holiday evolved beyond a single conflict to honor and mourn all service members who lost their lives in the line of battle. It became an official federal holiday in 1971 after a 1968 law, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, was enacted by Congress. This moved the holiday from May 30 to the last Monday in May, giving many traditional American workers a three-day weekend. Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day Many mix up or confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The former celebrates service members who have died in the line of battle. The latter takes place in November and celebrates all American veterans. Are banks open on Memorial Day? No. Major money transactions that require going inside a bank are going to have to wait as these institutions are closed on federal holidays. Are ATMs open on Memorial Day? Yes. Luckily, for simpler deposits and withdrawals, automated teller machines located outside of the branch are available. Is the post office open on Memorial Day? No. You won't be able to run into a post office on Memorial Day as the United States Postal Service (USPS) is not open for business. Buy stamps and send big packages ahead of time. Is mail delivered on Memorial Day? No. Bills and postcards will be delayed a day, as postal mail is not delivered on Memorial Day. Are FedEx and UPS operating on Memorial Day? According to the 2025 FedEx holiday schedule, only FedEx Custom Critical services will be available. FedEx Office will have a modified schedule while FedEx, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Logistics are closed. According to the 2025 UPS holiday schedule, only UPS Express Critical services are available. Limited UPS store locations will be open. UPS Forwarding, UPS Domestic Ground, Air, and International are all closed for the holiday. Is the stock market open on Memorial Day? No. You will have to buy and sell another day. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq exchange are closed. Are schools open on Memorial Day? No. Students and teachers typically get the day off for Memorial Day. That being said, it is a good practice to double check your own school's calendar to verify this. Are restaurants open on Memorial Day? Yes. Most restaurants are open and hoping to take advantage of the three-day weekend revenue. This includes fast food chains such as McDonald's and sit-down chains such as Applebee's. For smaller mom-and-pop-type places, it's best to double check that they didn't take the day off. Are pharmacies open on Memorial Day? Typically, yes. Most Walgreens and CVS locations will be open, but they may have modified hours. Be sure to check your local location ahead of time, especially if you need your medication in a pinch. Moreover, independent pharmacies may be closed. Are stores and groceries open on Memorial Day? For the most part, yes. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target are open on Memorial Day, according to a roundup from USA Today. If you need a last-minute bottle of ketchup or mustard for your hamburgers and hot dogs, you are covered. Trader Joe's, Kroger, and many more have your back. The majority of large supermarket chains will be open for all your family barbecue needs.
Fast Company
26-05-2025
- General
- Fast Company
What's open and closed on Memorial Day 2025? Stock markets, banks, stores, pharmacies, more
The temperatures are heating up and school's almost out for the summer. Before we fully dive into the warmer months and vacations, we get a mini-break in the form of Memorial Day weekend—a preview of coming attractions—but it requires some planning ahead because today (Monday May 26, 2025) is a federal holiday. Let's take a look at a brief history of the day and what business and services will be closed to observe it. A brief history of Memorial Day Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War. On May 30, 1868, John A. Logan, commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared the first national observance of Declaration Day, Memorial Day's predecessor, on which flowers were placed on Union soldiers' graves. Even before this declaration, there were many similar Confederate customs. Many cities on both sides claim to be the originators of the holiday. As more battles were fought, the holiday evolved beyond a single conflict to honor and mourn all service members who lost their lives in the line of battle. It became an official federal holiday in 1971 after a 1968 law, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, was enacted by Congress. This moved the holiday from May 30 to the last Monday in May, giving many traditional American workers a three-day weekend. Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day Many mix up or confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The former celebrates service members who have died in the line of battle. The latter takes place in November and celebrates all American veterans. Are banks open on Memorial Day? No. Major money transactions that require going inside a bank are going to have to wait as these institutions are closed on federal holidays. Are ATMs open on Memorial Day? Yes. Luckily, for simpler deposits and withdrawals, automated teller machines located outside of the branch are available. Is the post office open on Memorial Day? No. You won't be able to run into a post office on Memorial Day as the United States Postal Service (USPS) is not open for business. Buy stamps and send big packages ahead of time. Is mail delivered on Memorial Day? No. Bills and postcards will be delayed a day, as postal mail is not delivered on Memorial Day. Are FedEx and UPS operating on Memorial Day? According to the 2025 FedEx holiday schedule, only FedEx Custom Critical services will be available. FedEx Office will have a modified schedule while FedEx, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Logistics are closed. According to the 2025 UPS holiday schedule, only UPS Express Critical services are available. Limited UPS store locations will be open. UPS Forwarding, UPS Domestic Ground, Air, and International are all closed for the holiday. Is the stock market open on Memorial Day? No. You will have to buy and sell another day. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq exchange are closed. Are schools open on Memorial Day? No. Students and teachers typically get the day off for Memorial Day. That being said, it is a good practice to double check your own school's calendar to verify this. Are restaurants open on Memorial Day? Yes. Most restaurants are open and hoping to take advantage of the three-day weekend revenue. This includes fast food chains such as McDonald's and sit-down chains such as Applebee's. For smaller mom-and-pop-type places, it's best to double check that they didn't take the day off. Are pharmacies open on Memorial Day? Typically, yes. Most Walgreens and CVS locations will be open, but they may have modified hours. Be sure to check your local location ahead of time, especially if you need your medication in a pinch. Moreover, independent pharmacies may be closed. Are stores and groceries open on Memorial Day? For the most part, yes. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target are open on Memorial Day, according to a roundup from USA Today. If you need a last-minute bottle of ketchup or mustard for your hamburgers and hot dogs, you are covered. Trader Joe's, Kroger, and many more have your back. The majority of large supermarket chains will be open for all your family barbecue needs.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The true story of Memorial Day's local origins
While more than two dozen cities and towns across the United States lay claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day, Petersburg holds a compelling and often overlooked place in the holiday's origin story. Some trace the origins — or at least the popularization — of Memorial Day to Petersburg's Blandford Cemetery. In 1868, Mary Logan, the wife of Union General John A. Logan, visited Blandford Church and was moved by the decorations she saw on the graves of Confederate soldiers. 'I noticed that many of them had been strewn with beautiful blossoms and decorated with small flags of the dead Confederacy,' Logan wrote in a 1903 article for the Los Angeles Daily Times. 'The sentimental idea so enwrapped me that I inspected them more closely and discovered that they were on every one of the graves of soldiers who had died for the Southern cause. The actions seemed to me to be a beautiful tribute to the soldier martyrs and grew upon me while I was returning to Washington.' Upon returning home, Logan shared the idea with her husband, suggesting the creation of an annual Decoration Day on which to decorate the graves of Union soldiers. As head of the Grand Army of the Republic, General Logan issued General Order No. 11 on May 5, 1868, setting May 30 as a day to decorate soldiers' graves — a day we now know as Memorial Day. Petersburg City Council member pushes for 5¢ plastic bag tax to fund city's beautification While Petersburg's contributions are significant, the origins of Memorial Day are woven from various traditions across the U.S., as there are many cases of towns and cities decorating and honoring soldier's graves before the custom was ever solidified into a holiday. For instance, on May 1, 1865, freed African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina, held a ceremony to honor Union soldiers who died in captivity, an event that some historians recognize as the first Memorial Day. Additionally, towns like Waterloo, New York, and Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, have their own claims, with Waterloo being officially recognized by Congress in 1966 as the birthplace of the holiday. While the exact origins of Memorial Day may be muddled, Mary Logan's visit to Petersburg played an undeniably important role in the popularization of the holiday, and is still remembered in the city to this day. 'On borrowed time': State presents schedule for closing Hiram W. Davis Medical Center Looking for something to do this Memorial Day around Petersburg? The Petersburg National Battlefield is hosting several special programs over Memorial Day weekend: May 23: Join park staff from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to help place flags at each grave in the battlefield's Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Send an email to pete_volunteer@ to sign up. May 24: At 2:30 p.m., a park ranger will lead a walking tour of Poplar Grove National Cemetery, providing insights into the history of this significant site. May 25: Experience a cannon firing demonstration with the Artillery Crew from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., taking place behind the Petersburg National Battlefield's Eastern Front Visitor Center. May 26: At 10 a.m., the Knights of Columbus will host a Catholic Mass open to the public at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. A representative from the Civil Air Patrol, U. S. Air Force Auxiliary, will also provide a ecumenical prayer. Walking tours of the cemetery will be offered at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tours will be led by NPS park rangers and highlight poignant stories of the soldiers buried at the site. May 27: Join park staff from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to assist in collecting the flags placed at each grave in Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Send an email to pete_volunteer@ to sign up. Trump is proposing cuts to affordable housing. This is what it could mean for Petersburg This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Did Memorial Day originate in Petersburg?
