Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day 2011 in NYC

Today was Memorial Day. It officially marks the beginning of summer although this does not occur meteorologically for a few more weeks. But today was certainly summery; a morning thunderstorm (7 mm rain) then a hot humid day, max 32C.

American children learn that Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a celebration of remembrance for the brave service of men and women who gave their lives for their country. Originally, Memorial Day honored those who had died in the Civil War. Now, it honors those who died in the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm.

Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971. Americans now also designate this day to remember loved ones who have passed on, as well as remembering their service men and women. Flowers and flags are placed on graves in remembrance of them. Parades and dedications of memorials usually are part of the day's activities. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local marching bands, members of the armed service, fire departments, police departments, and fraternal orders often march in parades and attend ceremonies to commemorate the day.

We had lunch in SoHo then walked up to Washington Square, then dinner on our terrace.

Popsicle weather (gelato, of course, for Monica)
Washington Square arch
they were playing All Along The Watchtower (after Dylan, not Hendrix)
Washington Square sunbathers
dinner on the terrace

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