Memorial Day is a long weekend for most, and with the warmer weather, it has become the summer BBQ season kick-off holiday. Of course, the original purpose of the Memorial Day holiday was actually to honor veterans who have died serving and protecting our country. So here's how it went from solemn holiday to outdoor fun...
Memorial Day traces its origins back to May 5, 1868, when General John Logan declared May 30 as Decoration Day, “designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”
In 1971, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Memorial Day, along with many other holidays, shifted to a Monday, creating a long holiday weekend. So now Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. Of course, the original purpose of Memorial Day is overshadowed by parties nation-wide. With parents off from work, it is an opportunity to spend quality time with children, friends and relatives. Families gather to enjoy the warm weather outdoors, and, of course, to grill. Veterans organizations have been pushing to reclaim the holiday, it has more or less transformed into the unofficial start of summer. You'll find big blockbuster movies releasing on Memorial Day weekend...and you'll have no trouble finding parties and celebrations near you. You're probably planning one of your own right now!!
With grilling season approaching, you might just want to pick up a Proper J. Popper jalapeno grill tray from Cascade Manufacturing! You can find them here.
Happy Grilling!!
