Happy Memorial Day!

    Memorial Day weekend is here at last!  Stop wishing for warm weather and sunshine and start packing for the beach, because summer is (un)officially here.  To help start the celebration we thought we would take you back to the roots, and share some Memorial Day history with you.  History is always an important asset to any fashionista, otherwise we would miss out on such great vintage clothing!  (Or repeat some fashion fiascoes.)
    Memorial Day is a time to remember the men and women who have died while serving in the American military.  It was originally known as Decoration Day, because it was a time set aside so people could honor the nations Civil War dead by decorating their graves.  It was first celebrated May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  In 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson Waterloo, NY was named the birthplace of Memorial Day, because it was the first town to make Memorial Day an annual community wide event, where all residents decorated the graves of the fallen.  After WWI the day was expanded to honor those who died in all of America’s wars.  In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by Congress, and was to be celebrated on the last Monday of May each year.

    Recently the National Moment of Remembrance Act was created to “encourage the People of the United States to give something back to their country.”  The act begins the tradition that Americans are to pause wherever they are at 3pm on Memorial Day, to observe a minute of silence.


    There are lots of traditions that go along with Memorial Day as well.  Flags should be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day and many Americans participate or watch Battle reenactments to honor those who have died.  Red poppies are also worn as a symbol of remembrance.  The most recent tradition is the good old American barbecue, and the beginning of summer. 

    With Memorial Day weekend here, hopefully you have a few Memorial Day plans, but if not, we can help you out with some great ideas we found and can’t wait to check out.

    If you are in the D.C. area, there are tons of events at our nation’s capital that are sure to be a great time.
    • PBS National Memorial Day Concert- Sunday May 30, 2010 at 8pm.  This concert is FREE and it takes place on the West lawn of the U.S. Capitol building.  The concert features such artists as, Lionel Richie, Brad Paisley, Katherine Jenkins, Yolanda Adams, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra. 
    • National Memorial Day Parade- Monday May 31, 2010 at 2pm.  The parade starts at the corner of Constitution Ave. and 7th Streets NW, and proceeds along Constitution Ave. past the White House ending on 17th street. 
    • Rolling Thunder Motor Cycle Rally- Sunday May 30, 2010. The rally departs from the Pentagon at 12pm, with a speaker and musical tribute at 1:30pm at the reflecting pool across from the Lincoln Memorial
    • Arlington National Cemetery- Monday May 31, 2010, take it back to where it first began with a wreath laying ceremony and concert held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
    • If you are on a tight budget, or cannot make it to any of these events, go see the national monuments and memorials or head over to the zoo.  Also be sure to check out a few of the FREE museums on the National Mall.
    • Don't forget a shopping trip to your local South Moon Under store at the National Harbor.

    If you are lucky enough to be at the beach this weekend and are around Ocean City, Maryland, be make time for these events:
    • 2010 OPA Offshore Racing Series Presented by Geico- Sunday May 30, 2010 at 12pm and 2pm. Catch this high speed powerboat race between 6th and 22nd Streets off of the O.C. Boardwalk.  You can see the race from the beach or the boardwalk! 
    • Ocean City Restaurant Week- Kicks off Sunday May 30, 2010 and goes until June 6, 2010.  For a full list off restaurants and discounts be sure to check out the website.
    • If your not trying to spend much money, just enjoy a nice relaxing day on the beach with friends or family.
    • Don't forget to check out your local South Moon Under store Ocean City or in Rehoboth Beach, there is a great sale going on at both the stores this weekend only of an additional 25% off sale items.

    If your in the Baltimore area, there are lots of great events happening in the Charm City.
    • Fort McHenry- Monday May 31, 2010 come celebrate from 10am to 4:30pm with observances, historic Memorial Day speeches and special programs about the history of Memorial Day. 
    • Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too- Saturday May 29, 2010 and Sunday May 30, 2010 from 1pm to 7pm both days at the Maryland Zoo in Druid Hill Park.  Enjoy a day of great beer, wine, food and music.  You can buy tickets before online or at the gate!
    • NCAA Lacrosse Championship at M&T Bank Stadium- The semifinals begin May 29 at 4 p.m. On May 30 Divisions II and III play their title games, and the Division I champ will be decided on May 31, with face off scheduled for 3:30.  Besides the games there is so much more to do with pep rallies, youth clinics, and a fan zone.
    • Don't forget to check out your local South Moon Under! 

    If your around Richmond, Virginia, stop in and enjoy these events:
    • Carillon Concert– Monday May 31, 2010 FREE Concert at 4pm at the Carillon. Following the concert there will be an open house with light refreshments.  Bring chairs and picnic.
    • Historic Cemetaries Bus Tours- Tour Richmond’s historic cemeteries, including St. John’s Church, Shockoe Cemetery, the Hebrew Cemetery and Hollywood Cemetery.  Tickets are $23, but free for veterans.
    • Be sure to check out your local South Moon Under!
    If you are in the Philadelphia area, there are lots of events to keep you busy:
    • Franklin Square-Go to Franklin Square and enjoy an all day event with games and activities.  
    • Memorial Day Commemoration at Valley Forge- Monday at 3pm at the Valley Forge National Park. Honor our fallen soldiers with a moment of silence and salute. 
    • Memorial Day at the National Constitution Center- An all day event, enjoy special memorial Day shows, talks and activities.
    • If you don't like those events, head over to South Moon Under for some shopping relaxation! 


     There is lots to do this Memorial Day so go check out some events and have a great day.  A barbecue or pool party at home is also a great way to jump into summer and enjoy the rays of sunshine.  Whatever you end up doing have fun and enjoy the start to the lazy days of summer, just remember to celebrate in style!

    (Vintage WW1 Propaganda Poster)



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