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Councilwoman
Paula McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107
Email Councilwoman McCraney
Visit the District 7 Website
Phone Numbers
of Interest
Air Pollution: 574-6000
Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318
Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)
Brightside: 574-2613
Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700
Legal Aid: 584-1254
Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000
Metro Parks: 456-8100
Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111
Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111
MSD: 587-0603
PARC: 569-6222
Poison Control: 589-8222
Public Works: 574-5810
Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571
TARC: 585-1234
Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447
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CELEBRATE, PARTICIPATE, DONATE
This year Memorial Day is May 27. It was traditionally observed each year on May 30. In 1971, Congress moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, making it an official federal holiday.
For most people, Memorial Day has become simply a kickoff to the summer season of cook-outs, picnics and pool parties. Sadly, it appears that some people have forgotten or never known the actual reason Memorial Day became a holiday.
The origin of Memorial Day, formally called Decoration Day, takes on many forms depending on your research. Some attribute the holiday to General John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Union veterans group known as the Grand Army of the Republic. He issued a decree declaring May 30 a nationwide day of commemoration for the more than half million soldiers killed in the Civil War. Logan dubbed the day, Decoration Day, encouraging Americans to lay flowers and decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.
According to legend, General Logan chose May 30 because it was a rare day that didn't fall on the anniversary of a Civil War battle. However, some historians believe the date was chosen to ensure that flowers across the country would be in full bloom.
Further research will reveal that one of the earliest commemorations was organized by recently freed slaves. Other accounts point to a time before the end of the Civil War when women's groups across the South gathered informally to decorate the graves of dead Confederates. (This activity may have inspired General Logan's idea of Decoration Day.)
Memorial Day is much, much more than food, friends and frivolity. The observance of Memorial Day was started in remembrance of those who died in the War Between the States. Since that time, those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our nation in any war have been added, and since 9/11, there has been more mention of those who have died in the line of duty in emergency services such as Fire, Police, Rescue and Medical personnel.
However you view the Memorial Day holiday, I hope you'll set aside some time to remember the sacrifices made by all fallen soldiers (and other emergency and safety public servants) on our behalf, and on the behalf of our beloved country.
I also encourage you take part in one of the local civil ceremonies that will occur on Monday. We have listed several of them in this e-Newsletter. In fact, we've listed many Memorial Day activities that are designed to help you Celebrate, Participate, and even Donate.
CELEBRATE with the Memorial Auditorium as it turns 90 years old, or check out the Memorial Day Ceremony at 12 noon at the Patriots Peace Memorial on River Road.
PARTICIPATE in the Hike, Bike & Paddle event at the Waterfront Park.
DONATE your time on Saturday, May 25, at the Flags4Vets Vigil. Adult and kid volunteers are needed to place 15,000 Veterans' Grave Flags on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park.
Have a safe, enjoyable and memorable holiday weekend. In memory of many, and in honor of all, I personally thank you for being such great District 7 residents. Happy Memorial Day!
Councilwoman Paula McCraney
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