High heat and humidity predicted today, so we were up on the road by 8:20 AM. After our last ride, we wanted to keep things easy, and be back home before the heat of the day arrived. The decision was to ride into LeRoy, then take the trail to Tustin.
It was pleasant riding, even though there wasn't much of a breeze. The cool morning air was welcome, especially since we knew the weather forecast. Few cars passed us and we had the trail to ourselves. Folks were probably using the last day of this holiday weekend to sleep in.
Many places in our nation lay claim to celebrating the first Memorial day. Memorial day was originally called Decoration Day. On May 5, 1868, three years after the civil war ended, the head of an orginization of union Veterans, known as the Grand Army of the Republic, (GAR) established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead, with flowers. It is believed that May 30th was chosen, because flowers across the country, would be in bloom at that time.
The first big observance was held that year, at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremonies centered around the Arlington mansion, once the home of General Robert E. Lee. The veranda was mourning, draped, for the occasion. One of the officials presiding was General and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant. After speeches were made, the members of GAR made their way through the cemetery, reciting prayers and sining hymns they placed flowers on both Union and Confederate graves.
By the end of the nineteenth century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held throughout the nation, on May 30th. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day as a time to remember. The Navy and Army adopted regulations for proper observations at their facilities.
However it was not until after World War I, that the day was expanded to honor those who died in all American wars. In 1971 Congress declared it a national holiday and named it Memorial Day. My Grandparents, and many others, continued to refer to it as Decoration Day. Along with the name change, the holiday was placed on the last Monday of May.
We often ride by the memorial in this yard. Today I am posting a picture of it to honor those who have fought and those who have died in defending the freedoms, we hold so dear.
Among them, I honor many family members. My grandfather, who not only fought in World War I, but whose brother Randall, known to all of us as "Rand," gave his life there. My Dad and all of his brothers, marched off to fight in World War II, and by the grace of God, they all returned, alive. My cousin Timothy, lost his life in Vietnam, killed by a grenade from one of his own, because Tim was in charge of a drug investigation. He left behind a wife and a daughter who was about 2 years old. My cousin Chuck, was a career Marine, fighting in both Vietnam and Desert storm. My half sister Moranda served in a branch of the service as well. My family is full of people who proudly, served this nation, so much so, that I'm sure I must have left someone out, as I listed them. Regardless, today I honor them all and thank them for the sacrifices they and their families made for me and my family and others, across this great land of ours.
We saw 2 rabbits on the trail, the first time we have seen any. Their population has decreased due to the over abundance of coyotes in the country side. They were hopping far to fast, for me to get a picture.
Needing a few more miles, when we got to LeRoy, we rode the new section of the trail, happy for the shade. The heat and humidity were rising as we did our last 4 miles to home. It would have been like riding in a sauna, were it not for the wind that had begun to blow. The road that would take us to the turn off to home, was a welcome sight.
After riding 20 miles, we were glad to get home to a nice cool house. After a snack and a little rest, we managed to find enough energy to do some yard work and get most of the garden planted.
No comments:
Post a Comment