THE HISTORY AND A FEW FACTS
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, held on the last Monday in May. It is the nation’s foremost day to honor its deceased service men and women. It was first observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers.
Union General John A. Logan was the first to proclaim this day, initially known as Decoration Day, because of the tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreathes and flags.
On May 30, 1868, Congressman James A. Garfield (later president) spoke these words at Arlington Cemetery :
“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue”.
After the Garfield speech, 5000 participants helped to decorate the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington Cemetery.
That event galvanized other similar observances across the United States.
In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. Several other states followed New York. After World War1, the holiday was established throughout the United States. In 1971, the date – last Monday in May – was established by President Lyndon Johnson, who wanted to create a three day weekend so that family members who lived distances apart would be able to spend more time together.
European countries celebrate their version of Memorial Day (or Remembrance Day) on November 11, the conclusion of World War 1, or Armistice Day. But Armistice Day coincides with Veterans Day in the United States, so we separate Memorial Day from November 11. Also, Veterans Day honors all who served in the military in the U.S. and Memorial Day focuses on those who died.
The United States differs from other countries in this respect also – we celebrate with picnics, songs, barbecues and lemonade. In other countries, Memorial Day tends to be more solemn.
Many people may say “Happy Memorial Day”, but it is generally considered more appropriate to say “I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day”. We are honoring the deceased.
Other Memorial Day traditions include:
- The wearing of red poppies, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields”
- A moment of remembrance at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day
- Hanging our flag at half mast until noon on Memorial Day
- Playing “Taps”
- Visiting a local veterans cemetery – placing flowers on graves that may not have decorations or volunteering to clean the graves of fallen soldiers
The remainder of this post will describe affiliate marketing and then provide links to Amazon products that have special Memorial Day pricing.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
This is a digital marketing strategy where individuals, known as affiliates, promote a company’s products or services and earn a commission for each sale or lead generated by their unique affiliate link. It’s a performance-based advertising model for driving traffic to a merchant’s website.
Please see my upper menu – BECOME AN AFFILIATE MARKETER – for full details on this business opportunity.
Also, the diagram below will show a simplified explanation of the process.
My focus has been on fitness workouts, which I have done for over 6 decades. Also, sports, nutrition and related topics – accompanied by relevant links. I also look for discounted pricing on fitness or sports products on special occasions – such as Memorial Day. I have two permanent links at the side of this page for Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bullworker Fitness websites. These are updated for the latest product and pricing information for both.
AMAZON
I enjoy working as an associate of Amazon, as well as continuing to be a customer. They give us fast service, fair prices and an almost unlimited inventory of product choices. There are also several occasions during the year when they have significant price “deals” and I like to pass these on.
For the upcoming Memorial Day, Amazon has lots of specials in all departments. I will be showing links that relate to my niche of fitness, sports and outdoor activities.
Each link will provide descriptions, prices, images and related links for similar or complementary items.
Walking vibration pad– 24% off
Women’s lightweight hiking shorts – 22% off
Swim goggles – 2 pack, for kids. 3-15. Anti fog, wide view. 18% off.
Athletic ankle socks – low cut, anti blister, for men or women. 20% off
Nordic Track commercial cycle – high quality. 41% off
Mini stepper with resistance band – for home exercise. 44% off
Women’s gym shorts – high waisted, 4 pack. 25% off
Adjustable weight bench – for full body workout. Foldable. 31% off
Electric dirt bike – for adults. 17% off
Coleman instant tent – multiple persons, one minute set-up. 32% off
Peloton indoor exercise bike – high quality. 21% off
Pickleball paddle – high quality, carbon fiber. 15% off
Pull – up resistance bands – for home workouts. Set of 4. 34% off.
Garmin GPS golf watch – 25% off
Women’s pleated tennis skirt – 25% off
DON’T BE ONE OF THESE
Trekking poles – 24% off
Hoverboard – all terrain. 40% off.
Inflatable paddleboard – with all accessories. 29% off.
Coleman portable stove – for camping. 36% off.
Elliptical machine for home – 27% off
Outdoor portable basketball hoop -23% off
Beach chair with canopy shade – 30% off
Adjustable ankle weights – 15% off
Golf laser range finder – 42% off
TRX home suspension system – for full body workout. 18% off
Foldable home exercise bike – with resistance bands. 20% off
Golf cart bag – 15 separate compartments. 45% off
GPS sports watch – with training analysis. 20% off
Adjustable weight bench set – for home gym. 40% off.
Women’s twist bikini top – 15% off
FINAL THOUGHTS
There are safety concerns associated with the Memorial Day long weekend becaue of the heavy traffic. Memorial Day weekend is statistically the most dangerous holiday in the United States. The best time to hit the road is usually in the morning. Friday, May 23 will most likely be the most crowded day for departure travel and Sunday, May 26 for return travel.
Here are a few safety tips:
- Drink in moderation – no more than one alcoholic drink per hour
- Don’t drink alone
- Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery when drinking
- Don’t drink when caring for small children
- Never leave a small child unattended around a pool
So, please take care and honor our deceased military heroes. Take advantage of the many Memorial Day discounts!
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below.
