Each year, the village of Baldwinsville recognizes Memorial Day with a proclamation. Here is that proclamation:
The village of Baldwinsville mayors, past and present, the Baldwinsville VFW Post 153 and the Baldwinsville American Legion Post 113 have proclaimed the recognition of Memorial Day on the traditional date of May 30. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. For many people this change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May.
As per Wikipedia:
The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day,” which was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by federal law until 1967. This day is set aside not as a celebration but more as a time for solemn reflection and observance of the memory of the more than a million men and women who have died throughout history, defending our nation and the principles of freedom and democracy throughout history.
Memorial Day observance ensures that these people did not die in vain. The purpose of this day is not to celebrate but to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and decorate their final resting place.
Memorial Day is also the time to say thank you to our living veterans and to our men and women who are around the world battling terrorists and ensuring the freedoms we have as Americans.
Let us not forget – it is the veteran that has given us:
- The freedom of religion
- The freedom of speech
- The freedom of the press
- The freedom of assembly
- The freedom to vote
- Freedoms yet to be recognized
