Image by Clarence Alford from Pixabay
By GEORGE CUSTER/Editor/The Herald — “Veterans are a symbol of what makes our nation great, and we must never forget all they have done to ensure our freedom.”- Rodney Frelinghuysen
I hope many of you were able to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, either with family or friends. I’m certainly not taking away from the multitudes who wait anxiously, plan and organize, travel to, and enjoy their 3-day weekend. Shucks, I know many might have even left work early on Friday, hopefully with the good blessing of their boss.
However, and this is a big however, I’m hoping that most of you will remember why the holiday was established back in 1968 (though it didn’t go into effect until 1971 – that’s the government for you). There’s quite the history to Memorial Day, readily available thanks to the internet. Waterloo, New York, first celebrated what they called Decorations Day back on May 5, 1866. Because of this, Waterloo is considered the birthplace of Memorial Day. Now you don’t have to look it up.
Have a fun and relaxing weekend and tell your children about why we have Memorial Day.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
