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“PRSRT.STD.” US POSTAGE PAID NO. 486 PRINCETON, IL 61356 SHAW MEDIA
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Honoring those who served Memorial Day, a federal holiday, is always celebrated the last Monday in May. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday was created to honor those Confederate and Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Later in the 20th Century, the focus of this holiday was extended to honor all Americans who have died while in military service. Nearly every town and village in Bureau and Putnam counties will host a Memorial Day service. Some will include speakers, parades, patriotic music and more. These services will vary throughout the two-county area, however, all will have the same theme — to honor those who have died during military service. Memorial Day should not be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering those who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military personnel and veterans. The Memorial Day holiday has also turned into a time when people visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of departed family members, even if they were not members of the military. In most circles, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer season. Many will have cookouts and other celebrations, since most offices and businesses are closed for the holiday. IV Scene file photo
Vol. 9 No. 44