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By the end of the Civil War, Americans came to realize the most devastating event in the history of the United States. It is estimated some 620,000 Americans were killed. Nearly everyone in the country had known someone that was killed during the war. While the Union side came to be known as the victor, both sides came away feeling devastated.
Memorial Day was originally conceived as a day to memorialize the soldiers who lost their lives in the Civil War. It was first called "Decoration Day", in reference the decorations that were laid on tombstones, and hung from buildings.
The first time Decoration Day was first started is not exactly known. Officially, the date is known as May 30, 1868. However, the practice of memorializing Civil War dead and decorating their graves goes back earlier.
The earliest known evidence of such observance goes back to various women's auxiliary groups in the North and South, when ladies organized events to honor their war dead by decorating graves. The earliest recorded event took place on April 25, 1866 in Columbus, Mississippi when a group of women formed an association to decorate the graves of civil war soldiers, starting with those who died in the Battle of Shiloh.
The towns of Macon, Georgia, Columbus, Georgia, and Richmond, Virginia all claim to be the birthplace of Decoration Day, having first celebrated it in 1866. The town of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania claims to have celebrated the first Decoration Day in 1868. Carbondale, Illinois claims to have celebrated it first on April 29, 1866. In all, some 25 cities claim to be the birthplace of Decoration Day, most of them in the South.
- Mississippi celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on the last Monday in April.
- Alabama celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on the fourth Monday of April
- Georgia celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on April 26.
- North and South Carolina celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on May 10.
- Louisiana celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on June 3.
- Tennessee celebrates "Confederate Decoration Day" on June 3.
- Texas celebrates "Confederate Heroes Day" on January 19.
- Virginia celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on the last Monday in May.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO...BRYAN WILLIAMSON!
As champion of the Bracket Challenge, Bryan wins season tickets for 2013-14 Southern Miss men's basketball. Here are the final standings:
1. Bryan Williamson
2. DJ Preiss
3. Rob Winpigler
4. Tim Shanks
5. Shawn Wansley
6. Sarah Sherman
7. Gregory Sherman
8. Ryan Williamson
9. Patricia Sherman
10. Dana Lofton
11. William Smith
12. Billy Ray
13. Caleb Smith
14. Jamie Arrington
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Here's what you'll need:
Cadbury Creme Eggs
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Oil for deep frying
What to do:
Chill Cadbury Eggs in the fridge. Whisk together the next six ingredients to create a creamy batter. Heat oil to around 350-375 degrees. Coat Cadbury Eggs in batter. Carefully lower Eggs into the oil and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
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The town board of Huntington, New York voted 4-1 to ban the sale of Silly String within 1500 feet of a parade route. Apparently, the stuff damages the finish on fire trucks.
Unless you have a doctor’s note, it’s illegal to buy ice cream after 6 p.m. in Newark, New Jersey.
Meanwhile, in Tampa, it’s a no-no to eat cottage cheese on Sunday after 6 p.m.
In Illinois, it is against the law to eat in a place that is on fire.
In Alabama, it’s illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church.
In Idaho, it is forbidden by law to give someone a box of candy that weighs more than 50 pounds.
Believe it or not, in New York State it is still illegal to shoot a rabbit from a moving trolley car.
There’s a law in Montgomery County, Maryland that says if you smoke in your yard and the smoke makes it to your neighbor’s yard, you’ll be fined $750.
And finally – in Oblong, Illinois, it’s against the law to make love while hunting or fishing on your wedding day.
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NFL "PICKS-TO-CLICK" CHAMPION FOR 2012:
Andy Webb
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FINAL STANDINGS:
ANDY: 159-80...67% (6 weeks won)
TOM: 157-82...66% (5 weeks won)
BRYAN: 151-86...64% (4 weeks won)
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THE SWEET 16 HALLOWEEN CANDY TOURNAMENT 2012
We started with 16 favorite treats. You made the call, round-by-round. And in the end, Kit Kat narrowly snuck past Snickers, winning by the slimmest of margins -- 51% to 49%. Thanks to all who participated, and next year we'll have another "Sweet 16" with some new goodies vying for the title of "Ultimate Halloween Candy"!
