CULLMAN – Memorial Day is a federal holiday and is meant to remember the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. The holiday is observed every year on the last Monday in May. In the beginning, it was known as Decoration Day and originated after the Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who had been killed in the battle. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in the armed forces.
Memorial Day typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end. This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, and most people will be off work for the holiday. The three-day weekend and beautiful springtime weather make for great family time and a wonderful way to remember our fallen heroes.
One way to enjoy time together as a family is to visit the Veterans Memorial Park.
Open year round, the park honors those of all branches of service who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It is home to the Alabama Veterans Memorial Wall.
The wall, which the Vietnam Veterans of America, Alabama Chapter 416 built in 1992, lists the names of 1,209 Alabama soldiers killed in Vietnam between 1963 and 1975. Among the names are several Cullman County natives.
The park also has monuments from World War I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
At the entrance, people can see a large, one-of-a-kind waving flag made entirely of cement.
There is also an Army tank on display. For larger groups, the park has a visitors pavilion designed to seat approximately 150 people.
After visiting the Veteran’s Memorial Park, walk over to Sportsman Lake, which adjoins the property. Attendees can also enjoy the day with a picnic.
There is a sizable playground and a refreshing splash pad for the children to enjoy.
People can ride the train and enjoy the lake by riding all over it in colorful pedal boats. The ducks and geese enjoy being hand fed by park visitors who have extra food from their picnic lunches.
Another option for celebrating Memorial Day is to attend the Smith Lake Park Memorial Day Weekend Festival, which is now a two day event.
The event will begin on Saturday, May 23 and go through Sunday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be live music, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, games, contests, and a golf cart and bike parade.
The putt-putt golf course has been renovated and is back and better than ever.
While there, enjoy the refreshing swimming pool, which will officially open for the season on May 23. Make your plans now to attend.
To escape the large crowds, enjoy the holiday at home with family and friends. Barbecues and outdoor activities are the perfect way to make lasting family memories.
Whatever you choose to do this year for Memorial Day, take a few minutes to remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we are able to freely enjoy ours.
Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do the things we choose to do.
