Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial kick-off to summer. With that, we are once again kicking off our summer giveaway! It’s another year for our Great American Cookout giveaway!
As always, we are thrilled to bring you a fabulous giveaway, courtesy of Elery Nau Hardware, Rupert’s and Frosty Beverage. This year, we’re stepping the grill up a notch with a 2-burner, 28-inch Blackstone grill. Obviously this will include a propane tank, and we’d never forget the gift cards to Rupert’s Specialty Meats and Frosty Beverage! We’re excited to provide everything you need to kick off the summer grilling season in style. And to make it even better, Jimmy and/or Charlie will personally deliver it to your door!
Participating in our giveaway is as easy as can be. The entry form is right below, just fill it out and mail it in, or drop it off at our office! Remember, we need to have your entry by June 13th, and the winner will be announced in the June 25th edition, so that the winner can enjoy their prize over the 4th of July weekend!
We are also using this kick-off to summer to bring you our Summer Fun and Savings Special Section! You can check that out on pages 26-34!
While Memorial Day is a long weekend to start summer, it’s crucial to remember its true significance. Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Let’s take a moment to pay our respects and remember their bravery.
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that the date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide, or one-time events. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities. However, it was not until after World War I that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May.
As you enjoy your long weekend, take some time to give thanks to those who gave their lives, so you have the freedom to BBQ and enjoy time with your friends and family.
As we observe this Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to remember the families of the soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom since last Memorial Day. A simple prayer or a moment of reflection can go a long way in showing our respect and gratitude.
As you celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, please remember to prioritize safety. Long weekends can sometimes lead to poor decisions. If you plan to drink, please don’t drive. Use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, or designate a sober driver. The safety of yourself and others is not worth the risk of driving under the influence.
