Most Americans consider Memorial Day the start of the summer vacation season, and a good excuse to kick back and have a barbecue. In Arkansas, Memorial Day weekend is traditionally Arkansas Riverfest time, but this year Riverfest moved to June.
Memorial Day is truly a day to remember fallen soldiers. It started as Decoration Day. Decoration Day was celebrated for the first time three years after the end of the Civil War. It was a day designated to commemorate Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the war. It was celebrated on May 30 because the best spring flowers would be in bloom.
After the First World War, the party was extended to include all the soldiers who had died. In 1971, it was declared an official national holiday. The Memorial Day holiday occurred on the last Monday in May, as many federal holidays are on Mondays. It also gives us the long weekend that we all enjoy.
Veterans organizations and cemeteries across the state honor the traditional sense of Memorial Day. Our fallen soldiers gave their lives so that we could have the freedom to celebrate the summer and see the latest rock bands. Take time to remember them on Monday.
Here are some ceremonies in 2016.
Arkansas State Memorial Day Ceremony – On May 30, the official celebration takes place at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 1501 West Maryland Ave in North Little Rock. The ceremony begins at 10 in the morning. The governor and several politicians usually attend this.
The veterans are then invited to the annual picnic sponsored by the Arkansas Veterans Coalition. It’s free and is located in Sherwood Forest (1111 West Maryland Avenue in Sherwood).
Maumelle Veterans Memorial Fountain Celebration: Located at the Veterans Memorial on Lake Willastein, the ceremony begins at 10 am to 30 May. The Arkansas Fallen Heroes Memorial will be held at Lake Willastein May 28-30. The Monument to the Fallen Heroes is worth seeing. Flags and banners are displayed forever Arkansan who has given his life defending the country. It is very moving to see you all. Located on Lake Willastein Dr.
Clark County Memorial Day Ceremony – Starts at 10 am at the Clark County Courthouse Gazebo, 401 Clay Street, Arkadelphia. Ceremony on May 30.
Fayetteville National Cemetery Ceremony – Begins at 10 am Cemetery located at 700 Government Avenue in Fayetteville. Ceremony on May 30.
Fort Smith National Cemetery Ceremony – Begins at 2 pm Cemetery located at 522 Garland Avenue in Fort Smith. Ceremony on May 30.
Most state parks are celebrating. Parks that celebrate include Lake Charles, Lake Catherine, Historic Washington State Park, and the Ozark Folk Center.
If you are looking for Memorial Day sales, you will find many. The Outlets of Little Rock is planning its first curbside sale in honor of Memorial Day. It is from May 27 to 30. The mall will be open from 10 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Some of the offers during Sidewalk Sale weekend will include special savings from Gymboree, Book Warehouse, Limited Outlet, Corky’s, Go! Games and Calendars, Fragrance Outlet, Brooks Brothers and Banana Republic, among others.
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