When I think about Memorial Day, I think about all my grandfathers who fought in various wars. Andrew McKee, Abiathar Richards, Sr., Abiathar Richards, Jr. fought in the Revolutionary War, James Hannah in the War of 1812, and John M. Hannah and John Wesley Hannah in the Civil War. Memorial Day honors those soldiers who died in war. None of my grandfathers died in the war they fought in. However, John M. Hannah, after he was discharged, died of an illness contracted while he served with the Illinois 79th Regiment. There are several traditions associated with Memorial Day. Various groups place flags on the graves of veterans. I appreciated that the Boy Scouts of Armstrong County Pennsylvania do that for Andrew McKee.
Communities have parades. I went to one several years ago where veterans marched, tanks were driven down the street, and many community groups paraded with their floats decorated in red, white, and blue.
Since Memorial Day is considered to begin the summer season, many people celebrate with a picnic. I do not picnic, but I do like to go to Greenfield Village, where they have the Civil War Remembrance. Reenactor soldiers camp out during the weekend, platoons march, and the calvary rides their horses. Historians present information on topics from armaments, to clothings to medicine.
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