From staff reports
LAKE COUNTY ? Lake County once again plans to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in a big way.
But, amidst all the springtime fun and activities, it”s easy to forget just how Memorial Day got started, and why.
Historical accounts relate that Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, because it was a time of decorating the graves of Civil War soldier. Americans first observed the holiday on May 30, 1868. To this day, nine Southern states hold Confederate Memorial Day observances on dates in January, April, May and June.
According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, “By honoring the nation”s war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice.”
Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday in 1971.
For an idea of how to commem-orate this this Memorial Day weekend, check out the following calendar of veteran-related events. For more general weekend events, see the calendar of events on page A5.
Thursday, May 25
– American Legion Post 194 monthly dinner meeting, 6 p.m., at the post, Second Avenue and Gaddy Lane, Kelseyville. Donation is $7 per person for dinner.
Saturday, May 27
Kelseyville Memorial Day services, 9 a.m., Kelseyville Cemetery, 3375 Bell Hill Road.
– Annual Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by Westamerica Bank and the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, 11 a.m., Main Street, Lakeport.
Sunday, May 28
– Lower Lake”s annual Memorial Day celebration, featuring a parade at 11 a.m. and activities including food and craft vendors, kids games, a barbecue, a band during the afternoon and a raffle until 4 p.m. Activities are in the park behind the new firehouse, Lower Lake. Info: 995-2515.
Monday, May 29
– Lower Lake Memorial Day program, held by the American Legion, 9 a.m., Lower Lake Cemetery, 9040 Lake. Flags will go up at 7 a.m. and stay up until 4 p.m. Info: 994-3677.
Middletown Memorial Day services, a ceremony with prayers, local organizations presenting wreaths for veterans and taps, 9 a.m., 16357 Butts Canyon Road, Middletown. Info: 987-0511.
Upper Lake Memorial Day ceremony, 11 a.m. Upper Lake Cemetery, 780 Clover Valley Road.
Lakeport Memorial Day ceremony, 1:30 p.m., Hartley Cemetery, 2552 Hill Road.
