WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2002

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2002

Our View * •'

: Memorial Day

Monday, May 27 is Memorial Day and we should pause for a moment to be grateful for all the brave men and women who have given their lives to preserve our democracy. Immediately our thoughts turn to a three-day weekend, family fun, cookouts, a weekend at the beach or in the mountains camping, and unfortunately we give little thought to the real significance of the holiday. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, which was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan. The day was first observed on May 30, 1868. It was not until after World War I, that the South used Decoration Day to honor their dead. They would use separate days. In 1882, Decoration Day was changed to Memorial Day and soldiers, who had died in other wars, were also honored. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday. It is always observed on the last Monday of i May. It is the unofficial beginning of the summer season and this begins the heavier volume of traffic. We can do our part by driving defensively and by ensuring that all passengers are securely belted in our vehicles. The buckling habit can save hundreds of lives, prevent thousands of injuries and decrease economic losses associated with both. In addition to enjoying the day off from work think of possibly: , • visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on graves of heroes; ; • visiting nearby memorials; , • participating in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Monday and/or • helping a widow of a fallen one. Happy Memorial Day to our readers! Letters to the editor The Rappahannock News welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers as a forum for discussion of local public affairs subjects. WRITE: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 59, Washington, Va. 22747 EMAIL: bwayland@timespapers.com