I was born in 1940 and have vivid childhood memories of Memorial Day. Peonies in our yard were always blooming at that time of year and my mother would cut them and then my whole family would visit graves and leave flowers on them. Some of these graves were military, but most of them were close family members who had passed on. Then, there was a huge military parade -- bands, majorettes and the most inspiring music! These are some of my favorite memories. Fast-forward to today -- my husband recently passed away and I wanted to put some flowers on his grave for Memorial Day. My grown children were dumbfounded and told me we are only to put flowers on deceased veterans' graves. I know for a fact that in years past some of my acquaintances here (Calvert County, MD) were going to visit family graves (taking flowers) on Memorial Day and they were not veterans' graves. FYI - I grew up in Allegany County, MD. Feel like I am caught in a time-warp!
I was born in 1940 and have vivid childhood memories of Memorial Day. Peonies in our yard were always blooming at that time of year and my mother would cut them and then my whole family would visit graves and leave flowers on them. Some of these graves were military, but most of them were close family members who had passed on. Then, there was a huge military parade -- bands, majorettes and the most inspiring music! These are some of my favorite memories. Fast-forward to today -- my husband recently passed away and I wanted to put some flowers on his grave for Memorial Day. My grown children were dumbfounded and told me we are only to put flowers on deceased veterans' graves. I know for a fact that in years past some of my acquaintances here (Calvert County, MD) were going to visit family graves (taking flowers) on Memorial Day and they were not veterans' graves. FYI - I grew up in Allegany County, MD. Feel like I am caught in a time-warp!