Memorial Day Weekend

Note from the 6th floor:
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A brief history of Memorial Day:



Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country.



It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.



During the first national celebration, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there. This event was inspired by local observances of the day that had taken place in several towns throughout America in the three years since the Civil War. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities had begun to observe Memorial Day, and after World War I, it became a occasion for honoring those who had died in all America’s wars.

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.

You can leave today at 3 pm if you are willing to educate a child or someone else who would benefit from the knowledge of why we have the day off on Monday.


Have a good weekend. Rest up for Family Fun Day!

Dan & David
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I kinda like the new guys in charge.  Dan is our CEO and he is one funny guy.  Not as self-centered as the last CEO & crew and has a wicked sense of humor.  He took over the reigns about two years ago and has very low-key, self-effacing style of management.  I guess it is some left over indoctrination from my military background, but I have always felt slightly humbled whenever meeting the unit commander or CEO.  Dan is a bit more approachable, and willing to serve as the butt of a joke to inspire and motivate the troops.  Next week we have a company party and we have all sorts of activities that he is encouraging/participating in that I would have never expected from our previous management team (more about that later).  Still, I like his style.  In spite of his upbringing (coming from some northeast college and another company), he seems more grounded in reality.

BTW - consider yourselves educated.  I thought this would be an excellent blog post.  At times we gotta remember why we have a 3 day weekend (and not just for the sales).

Happy Memorial Day!