Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Day 2015

This post first appeared on Memorial Day 2014. This year, in honor of Bob Dylan's 74th birthday which was yesterday, we decided to add his iconic song that speaks volumes. Have a happy and safe Memorial Day all! Much love from Cody and Caren.

 I long to return to a time when Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30th, a time when Memorial Day was NOT the "official kick-off to summer" in the U.S., a time when it wasn't a reason to consume copious amounts of beer and burgers and frolic with family and friends over the course of a three-day  weekend.

Don't get me wrong, I will be enjoying sunshine, family and the sumptuous taste of a char-grilled burger myself, but it is important that I, and all of us who are Americans, stop and REMEMBER what Memorial Day actually IS and why it is commemorated.



Somewhere through the years, many Americans have lost touch of WHAT significant holidays in our history MEAN.

There is nothing "happy" about Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the day in which we REMEMBER the men and women who DIED while serving our country.

Memorial Day has become lost in the ridiculousness that was created when Congress,  on June 28, 1968 signed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which  officially took effect on January 1, 1971. This act moved holidays such as Memorial Day,  George Washington's birthday (remember him? The "father of our country" whose birthday REALLY IS FEBRUARY 22ND), Labor Day (now celebrated the first Monday in September), and Columbus Day (Columbus Day USED to be on Christopher Columbus's REAL BIRTHDAY, October 12th, but is now celebrated the second Monday of October). The act was officially designed to "increase the number of 3 day weekends for federal employees."

Well, "isn't THAT special?"

Thankfully, July 4, (Independence Day), has remained unscathed.........

So while I, and many of you, are enjoying this time with friends and family, take a moment, STOP and REMEMBER the reason this day exists.



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39 comments:

  1. Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical WoofsMay 25, 2015 at 1:06 AM

    You are so right.
    While we are happy to have a 'holiday', others weep and mourn.
    Today our peeps passed lots of cemeteries and there were so many flags on the graves. Our unfurbros used to help decorate the Veteran's graves at Fort Custer National Cemetery when they were younger. Now that is a sight...meowmy helped with it once, too.

    Thanks fur reminding us of why we even are able to have a holiday.

    Thanks service peeps, past and presnt for all you do/did.

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  2. SummerMay 25, 2015 at 2:56 AM

    It's so important for humans to remember what's really important, and why they get to enjoy the day.

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  3. Athena Cat Goddess Wise KittyMay 25, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    I agree and was thinking the same thing. Sadly some people do forget, especially as the years go by. Hope you have a good day.

    Purrs xx
    Athena and Marie

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  4. AnonymousMay 25, 2015 at 5:43 AM

    We honor all our heroes throughout time sacrificing so much for the rest of us....Memorial Day is for MEMORIES and remembering........and we're doing that today ourselves! Have a good day of reflection Miss Caren and Cody!!!!

    Love, Sammy and Mom Pam

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  5. CATachresisMay 25, 2015 at 5:50 AM

    Have a special time today! xx

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  6. Ingrid KingMay 25, 2015 at 6:40 AM

    How is it possible that Bob Dylan is 74?! What a lovely Memorial Day post. Enjoy your day!

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    1. Cat and DOG Chat With CarenMay 25, 2015 at 3:57 PM

      Ingrid I said the same thing to my husband last night when he told me it was Dylan's birthday. (My husband is a HUGE Dylan fan!) He can't be 74 because we are only 19 ;)
      Thank you for your kind words and hope you are enjoying your day too!

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  7. MargMay 25, 2015 at 7:39 AM

    That really is such a great post and all so very true. People just don't pay enough attention to Memorial day or most of the other holidays. Caren, you and your family have a great day.

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    1. Katie IsabellaMay 25, 2015 at 7:57 AM

      That's right Marg and Mom Pam. It's not meant to be a grill out and eat till you bust day!

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    2. Cat and DOG Chat With CarenMay 25, 2015 at 3:53 PM

      thanks so much Marge (and Katie and Pam too!) Hope all of you are having a good day! xoxo

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  8. Katie IsabellaMay 25, 2015 at 7:56 AM

    Caren! You totally outdid yourself here! This is a great blog and the best reminder yet of what things really mean and why and how the government has changed dates and in a manner of speaking, meanings of special days of remembrance. Yes, I remember all those days and I am still saddened that they are taken from us arbitrarily with no rhyme or reason except to make it nicer for federal employees weekends. I loved your Dana Carvey reference too.."well now, isn't THAT special!" xo

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    1. Cat and DOG Chat With CarenMay 25, 2015 at 3:49 PM

      Thanks so much Katie, it is a shame that we HAVE to say these things, isn't it? Thanks about Dana Carvey too, that's one of my faves. That and "Never Mind" lol!!!! xoxo

      Delete
  9. Cats Herd YouMay 25, 2015 at 8:32 AM

    What a great history lesson for all of us! Happy Memorial Day!

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  10. pilch92May 25, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    This is a very nice post and I love the graphic of Cody.

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  11. Brian's Home BlogMay 25, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    Happy Memorial Day dear friends!

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  12. JoAnn StancerMay 25, 2015 at 9:40 AM

    Great post Cody! Amen!

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  13. SandeeMay 25, 2015 at 10:07 AM

    This is a bittersweet time for those that have lost loved ones to war. This post is perfect.

    Have a blessed Memorial Day my friend. Scritches to Cody. ♥♥♥

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    1. Cat and DOG Chat With CarenMay 25, 2015 at 1:42 PM

      Sandee I agree. Thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful Memorial Day! xoxo

      Delete
  14. The Swiss CatsMay 25, 2015 at 10:07 AM

    It's always interesting to know the reason of special days. Thank you for your great post, and enjoy that special time ! Purrs

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  15. ANGEL ABBYGRACEMay 25, 2015 at 12:28 PM

    No one can walk in the shoes of those families whose loved one paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our right to freedom. Sadly in so many ways this holiday is lost on those who only see it as a extra day off, or the start of a vacation. It is a time of reflection and remembrances. We hail those who served and are currently serving.

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  16. GLOGIRLYMay 25, 2015 at 2:14 PM

    Thank you for helping to remind us what today is all about.
    Giving love and thanks to those have served and sacrificed to make our country a better place.
    xoxo

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    1. Cat and DOG Chat With CarenMay 25, 2015 at 3:50 PM

      Glogirly I love what you said "Giving love and thanks to those who have served and sacrificed to make our country a better place" PURRFECT xoxo

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  17. AnonymousMay 25, 2015 at 2:20 PM

    We so agwee. Americans fink all holidays be there fur them to dwink in excess and eat in excess and generally pawrty down. Weez never unnewstood why peeps say Happy Memorial day when there be nuffin' happy 'bout it. We salute you.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Lexi

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  18. HisiableueMay 25, 2015 at 3:51 PM

    I like this song and I agree with you.
    We have to remember heroes who die for us.
    Douce soirée
    Nat à Chat

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  19. Two French BulldogsMay 25, 2015 at 5:00 PM

    Have a happy Memorial Day
    Lily & Edward

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  20. Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows)May 25, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    We remember. Hope you're having a wonderful Memorial Day!

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  21. BocciMay 25, 2015 at 8:27 PM

    Oh, thanks so much for posting the Dylan video! I'm a big fan...

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    1. Cat and DOG Chat With CarenMay 25, 2015 at 11:42 PM

      you are welcome!!! My husband is too....I like a lot of his songs too but my husband adores him!

      Delete
  22. The Island CatsMay 25, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    What a special Memorial Day post! We hope you're enjoying your day.

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  23. AnonymousMay 26, 2015 at 2:53 AM

    Hope you had a wonderful day. We love the picture of Cody and Bob Dylan :) Pawkisses :) <3

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  24. UnknownMay 26, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    So important to remember the real reason these holidays came to be.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  25. wildcatwoodsJune 1, 2015 at 10:56 AM

    A very belated Memorial Day visit - we had health issues with Georgie this week. When one kitty gets sick, Mom does not have the extra time to do blogs etc with caring for the sick one and all of us.

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