Memorial Day 2026

Rainy Day Thought had a blog set for today. Then I remembered that Monday was Memorial Day and thought I should not forget that day for what it means for Americans and for how long that has been true.

The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to May 1, 1865, when a group of 28 formerly enslaved Black Americans in Charleston, South Carolina, organized what is considered the first known commemoration. Not sure what they did back then then. The important thing is showing respect and appreciation.

As a child, my family made a big deal out of Memorial Day but not about soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for our country. That was important but family graves were what the day was about-- clean up the graves and bring flowers to those gone on. Only years later did I understand the true meaning. Some always knew it and would put little flags on the graves of those who had been soldiers.

The photo of the mama bird with her two babies kind of suits life itself. She and the papa chose under our porch to raise a nest. They do that every so often and we like it, try not to disturb them. With doves, the parents trade off nest building and care of the offspring.

This week, we got a big windstorm-- not tornado big but big enough to make noise all night.

In the morning we worried about the babies. They were gone. Did the wind take them too soon or was this just their time to be fledglings. Hopefully the latter. Nature constantly reminds us of what we sometimes would rather forget-- the tough side of life and nature. The birds know.

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