I still hold a grudge with Congress when they changed Memorial Day to make it a three day weekend. Prior to that, the true spirit of Memorial Day could be witnessed. Today, I see fewer and fewer people paying a visit to the cemeteries. Instead of doing it on one day, those that still observe it, do it whenever its convenient. However, there are still some of us that follow tradition.
As I do a lot of cemetery work throughout the year, I do spend even more time during Memorial Day Weekend. Many instances is usually assisting people in search of a grave. One of my favorite cemetery stories occurred at Janesville. A couple had arrived, and I could see they needed help. The woman was perplexed and remarked “Why don’t they bury people in alphabetical order? It would make it so much easier.” After further discussion, I inquired as to the grave they were looking for. I informed them they were in the wrong cemetery, and needed to go Lassen Cemetery, which I gave them directions to, as well as to how to find the grave they were looking for.
Tim, I agree with you concerning changing Memorial Day ( Decoration Day) to an extended weekend. Anyway a nice story.