To the Editor:

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in memory of the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It originated as Decoration Day in 1868, after the American Civil War and was established as a time to decorate the graves of American war dead with flowers.

The original date was May 30. This seems to have been chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle and it was an optimal date for flowers to be in bloom.

The term “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882 and became the official name by federal law in 1967. In 1968, the date was changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May.

This year, as in many years’ past, a parade, organized by the Helderberg Kiwanis Club will be held in Berne, at 10 a.m. on May 29.  All Capital District residents are invited to attend and celebrate with us.

Ralph Miller, president

Helderberg Kiwanis Club