Darlene Gooch is manager of Main Street Russellville.

What is Memorial Day? When some think of this holiday their mind immediately goes to filling up swimming pools for the start of the summer holiday season; it is the first 3-day weekend of the year and that you can begin wearing white clothing and shoes.

But for those who have served our country during war time or the families that have lost loved ones Memorial Day means a day of remembrance, a celebration of their lives and a day to place flowers on the graves of everyone who has passed away. Its original name, Decoration Day, began as an event to honor Union Soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was during World War I that many Americans became inspired by the way people in the South honored their dead and began including their loved ones, both men and women, during the Decoration Day Ceremonies. It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day was officially placed on the last Monday in May.

This Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 at 11 a.m. join us on the front steps of the Logan County Justice Center for an hour of celebrating the soldiers who fought for our country during all of the wars that our country has fought in. The dedication of the black stone marker that recognizes the various divisions of our military will take place immediately following the service.

This year Memorial Day will be a little different from previous ones because it will be made up entirely of women to celebrate the women who have served side by side to our male soldiers. Some of those who will be participating in the program will be the speaker, retired Master Sergeant Marilyn Gill, RHS student Breanna Shelton will be singing, State Representative Martha Jane King will be reading the names of those who have fallen during their service, and a group of 4th, 5th and 6th grade girls from Stevenson Elementary will be leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

We hope to see you there and if you have any questions, please call us at 726-1303.