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Having never served in the Armed Forces before, I thought it would be nice to recognize those that have. Many of the men that I have breakfast with have served in the Armed Forces in several different branches. They wear their hats proudly representing their branch of the service.

No, Memorial Day is not about a long weekend road-trip, backyard barbecue or sailing up and down the river. The real meaning of this national holiday is much darker. Originally called Decoration Day, Monday’s holiday honored all the soldiers who died trying to defend their country!

Memorial Day was declared a national holiday through an act of Congress in 1971, and its real roots date back to the Civil War.  At least 25 places in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day.  Some states that claim ownership of its origin include Illinois, Georgia, Virginia and Pennsylvania according to the Veterans Affairs.

My own dad, who was among the first group to land in Japan after the atom bomb ending World War II has never spoken about it with me.  I can only imagine!

To all those families that have sacrificed loved ones during war, I am humbled and honored to say that I am an American and live in a free country! Thank you for your sacrifice!

They were the best of times with the best of friends in the best of places Washington, NC! The Original Washington!  

Harold Jr