Memorial Day – More Than Just a Day Off Work
For many people, Memorial Day is a day off work, a day to play in the sun or a day to just relax. As with several holidays, we often celebrate for the wrong reasons. Memorial Day is more than just a day off work. It’s a day to commemorate fellow Americans who’ve died while defending our country. The holiday has been around since 1868. It began after the end of the Civil War. People from both sides (Union & Confederate) of the war would decorate the graves of soldiers who died while fighting. It was originally named Decoration Day for this reason. It only became Memorial Day after both sides decided to combine their day into one.
It’s also a day to celebrate the beginning of summer, while Labor Day celebrates the end of summer.
This Memorial Day, take a moment and say a prayer for those who died while trying to defend our country – both in the past and presently.
Looking for Something to Do?
Friday: Oconee Brewing Company is hosting live jazz music by Tom Logan to start the beginning of their Summer Concert Series. The show starts at 5:00pm and there is a $15 cover charge per person (the normal cost to tour the brewery). For more information visit the OBC website here.
Sunday: Come out to the Boathouse Restaurant and enjoy some dinner while listening to live music by Tim Cadiere. You can arrive at the Boathouse by boat OR car. The hours for Memorial Day are Friday through Sunday 11am-9pm and Monday 11am-6pm. For more information about the Boathouse Restaurant click here.
Sunday: The Ritz-Carlton will have a ton of fun things to do all weekend, however you must be staying at The Ritz to be able to participate in them. You can however, drive up your boat and watch the fireworks and maybe even hear some live music by local musician/singer Eric Dodd. The live music begins at 7:45 PM and the fireworks start at dark. Find out more information about this event here.
Monday: Oconee Brewing Company in Greensboro will be open for tastings and tours from 12:00pm-6:00pm.CK’s smokehouse food truck will also be outside for visitors to enjoy BBQ and other tasty dishes. Visit Oconee Brewing Company’s website here.
Monday: Every year Madison holds a Memorial Day Celebration in Town Park. The celebration is hosted by Main Street and the American Legion. Around 1,000 motorcyclists participate in the Annual Ride for America. The ride begins in Loganville and goes through numerous cities, including Madison. Start arriving a little before 11:00AM to see all the riders. It truly is a fun experience to see all of the motorcycles and people there to support America!
Monday: The American Legion (Post 583) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 6686) will be hosting a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Putnam County Veterans Wall of Honor Park. The ceremony will start at 11:00AM.
