Memorial Day is one of those holidays that have come to have a dual meaning. The purpose of the holiday is to remember those who died in service to our country, but it also signifies the “unofficial start of summer”. When my kids were little, I definitely looked forward to the opening celebrations at our neighborhood pool, but I also appreciated the special prayers we said in church for fallen soldiers and their families.
Running around the National Mall this weekend, we saw a number of tributes set up for Memorial Day. This one was sponsored by Honor Our Heroes, which is an organization that helps veterans returning to civilian life. They had planted 10,000 U.S. flags representing U.S. soldiers lost to wars, many of which had personalized cards like the ones you can see here.
We also saw this Swords To Plowshares monument erected by Veterans For Peace, which is an organization dedicated “exposing the true costs of war, and healing the wounds of war.”
The tower is covered with memorial plaques made from recycled cans that visitors can inscribe with personal dedications.
Laws Observing Memorial Day
I’m glad we saw these two tributes, because I think it’s important to honor our soldiers and promote peace. In fact, the law that makes Memorial Day a federal holiday emphasizes peace:
(a)Designation.—The last Monday in May is Memorial Day.
(b)Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation—
(1) calling on the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace;
(2) designating a period of time on Memorial Day during which the people may unite in prayer for a permanent peace;
(3) calling on the people of the United States to unite in prayer at that time; and
(4) calling on the media to join in observing Memorial Day and the period of prayer.
In 2000, Congress took action against the commercialization of Memorial Day, and passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, one of the goals of which was to “reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble event that that day is intended to be.” The law designates 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day as a “National Moment of Remembrance to honor the men and women of the United States who died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.”
Weekly Wrap
Now that I’ve given you something to think about today, here’s my recap for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Tricia and Holly.
Monday: Orange Theory Fitness + 2 mile run
I was dead asleep when my alarm went off at 4:15 am, since we had spent the day before at my son’s college graduation, but I rolled out of bed and made it on time. I didn’t quite hit my “splat points” goal (minutes in the orange/red heart rate zones), but I certainly pushed myself on the treadmill, including intervals at 8% incline.
When I realized I would get to my office by 6:30 am, I decided to tack on a 2 mile run before I got ready for work. I’m not sure I’ll do that every week, but it seemed like a good idea at the time!
Tuesday: 45 minute strength workout at home
Wednesday: 45 min indoor cycling at Revolve
Thursday: 5.5 hilly miles
I am still getting used to how light it is at 5:30 am–it’s broad daylight! But seeing the moon proves that it was still early.
Friday: 30 min strength routine at home.
Saturday: 8 mile run around the National Mall
Sunday: 42 mile bike ride + brunch at Caboose Brewery.
I think this new place at mile 12 deserves it’s own post!
I’m not sure how I’m going to face Orange Theory Fitness in the morning, but I couldn’t resist the option of taking a 6:15 am class and skipping the 4:15 am alarm this week!
[Tweet “Observing #MemorialDay with tributes around the National Mall”]
Are there Memorial Day tributes where you live?
Are you celebrating the start of summer?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I did not know that there was a 3pm remembrance time and I will certainly observe that tomorrow. Perfect day for a bike ride today! Looks like you had a great one
There’s a big parade in my town today. I don’t usually go, but it’s really well attended. Hopefully it won’t be overrun by political candidates.
I’m going to bike today! I haven’t ridden since before Big Sur, and my bike is feeling neglected. It’s gorgeous out, so I can’t wait to get rolling.
Can politicians resist a parade? I heard Trump was at Rolling Thunder in DC yesterday. I’ll try not to get too political, but he blustered about how we spend money on illegal immigrants instead of veterans and how he’ll change that, because he can’t say anything without being divisive and fear-mongering..
I saw that on the news this morning and it made my blood boil. He’ll do anything to win, won’t he?
That’s great information you shared about Memorial Day. I bet very few people know about the 3 pm moment of remembrance, but I will certainly pay attention to my clock today. I wish we had a fun place to ride bikes that included a brewery lunch. What a great way to finish up a fun ride.
There are several breweries along that bike path! That’s the only one with great food, though.
When I saw daylight through the bedroom window this morning, I was shocked to see the clock read 5:15! Your Sunday bike ride and brunch sounds like an awesome idea. It would be neat to actually bike somewhere — I’ve never done that. Memorial Day (or any patriotic holiday) reminds me of my Dad. Thanks for linking with us Coco!
I have never done Orange Theory but we are getting o soon in are area. Can’t wait to try it out. I bet that brunch was delicious after your 42 mile bike ride.
I bet DC is really beautiful and also thought provoking on Memorial Day. Reminding you of all that was lost/giving for our freedom.
I wish MORE people would share about Memorial Day and it what it REALLY means. As an Active Duty spouse I see the sadness in my husband’s eyes today as he thinks about the men and women he has known during his time in service that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. One day doesn’t seem enough to memorialize them but then people seem to forget what today is in the first place. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so sorry your husband feels that way. Reading the National Moment of Remembrance Act, it’s clear that Congress felt the same way. Around here (near D.C.) there are so many events and programs focused on remembering and honoring those who sacrificed their lives! Even though I see some of the monuments and memorials almost every day, they still make me stop and appreciate our service members, and feel humbled by what their sacrifices have given to me.
I did not know the specifics about Memorial Day, other than honouring soldiers so thank you for that. Those memorials look quite inspired as well.
There’s a lot more history (dating back to the original “Decoration Day” observed after the Civil War), but I though the recent pronouncements were interesting.
I enjoyed seeing your Tribute pictures. I went to DC years ago for Memorial Day, it has been over 15 years ago though. Time flies.
I am loving the light out in the a.m. too
What a great long ride on Sunday!!
Thanks, it really was a great ride all the way around.
Well, we were in Seattle (and traveling home on Memorial Day). The weather back home was decidedly summer, but Seattle was typical Seattle weather — unfortunately!
I feel like we had Seattle weather for most of May!
I was out of town for our Memorial day weekend so I am not sure what was planned in our town. I do consider it to be the unofficial start to summer although it has been hot here for awhile!
We have a similar flag display on the Boston Commons – stops me in my tracks every year.
You had a great week of workouts! Did you make it to OTF?
I did make it to OTF — and there were 22 people there for that 6:15 am class. We are hooked for sure. 🙂
I was in full celebration mode this past weekend! We enjoyed grilling, drinks and water activities, oh and I threw in a 5k just for good measure! 🙂
I just love all the Orange Theory stats that’s super cool!
We celebrated the unofficial start to summer with a trip to the beach. I don’t know of any Memorial Day festivities in our town. I love the photos you captured of tributes in DC. I haven’t been to DC since I was 7 or 8 years old. I would love to go back now that I have a better appreciation for all the history there.
There’s a veterans cemetery in our area and they always have something for Memorial Day. Last year I was able to go to the WWII D-day memorial close to Memorial Day and that was incredible, chilling, and humbling to see. I bet the DC area is a really incredible place to be this time of year with all of the monuments and memorials. I also have to say, I hate when people miss the point of Memorial Day and simply use it as a day to thank all those who have served in the military and then have a cookout. :-/