As we enter Memorial Day weekend we bow our heads in honor of the brave men and women that died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. You will always be remembered.
Memorial Day was formerly known as Decoration Day. It originated as a way to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers that died in the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day was extended as a day to honor all Americans that died while in military service.
Volunteers gather at national cemeteries and help place American flags on each grave to honor the soldiers that died while in military service. Many others visit cemeteries and memorials.
Before the American Civil War in some rural areas of the American South, a tradition of visiting family graveyards in late spring or early summer was similar to a family reunion. The deceased would be remembered while friends and kinfolk would reconnect over a potluck picnic. This may shed light on the current Memorial Day traditions we share of camping and BBQ festivities.
For kids Memorial Day is often bundled into a weekend that represents the beginning of summer and the end of the school year.
photos courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
Trust me, those kids are going to want to poke sticks in the fire, throw dry leaves on it, sneak garbage into it, and test the theory that spit can put it out, all while eating smores. A sugar rush, family, the fresh outdoors, and a campfire make for excellent memories for the little guys and gals. Is it dangerous and are you going to find yourself extremely protective? Probably. Good for you.
To help you relax a little change the girls out of their loose sun dresses, the boys out of their swimming trunks, and put everyone, yourself included, in tight fitting clothing like a good, sturdy pair of jeans that are 100% cotton. Cotton will ignite so keep an eye on how close they get to the fire. Wool is your best bet since it smolders and can be put out with a few stern pats or taken off quickly and stomped.
For added protection you can make your clothing flame retardant by following these simple directions.
2.5 ounces borax
2 cups boiling hot water
1. Combine the borax and boiling water in a bowl and stir until all the borax is dissolved.
2. Pour into a spray bottle, shake, and spray onto the clothes.
3. Don’t rinse.
4. Let dry before dressing the person in the clothes.
5. Reapply the spray after each wash.
Obviously you have the option of dressing the crew in clothes already manufactured with a coating of flame retardants but there is growing evidence that it's not safe for our health. Check out this link for loads of information on the topic.
However you decide to honor our fallen heroes this weekend keep you and your loved ones safe around the fire. And be sure to educate the next generation on the importance of Memorial Day.
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