Cover Story: Memorial Day facts every American should know

The honorable holiday that has become the unofficial start to summer – and the boating season – is much more than a three-day weekend.

Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance. But the holiday we know today was not an observed date on the federal calendar until 1971. Before that, it was known as Decoration Day. The very first Decoration Day was celebrated on May 30, 1868 to honor fallen Civil War soldiers.

Each Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. local time, a National Moment of Remembrance is observed to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel.

Respects are also paid on Memorial Day by flying the U.S. flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, before raising briskly to the top of the staff until sunset. This goes for all flags, including those flown by citizens.

Poppies have long been used to remember fallen soldiers after the bright red flowers began to bloom on World War I battlefields following the end of the war. The Friday before Memorial Day (today) is designated as National Poppy Day.

Memorial Day should not be confused with other military holidays. Memorial Day observes those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, while Veterans Day (annually on Nov. 11) honors those who have served or are serving. Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May) celebrates those currently serving in a military branch.

To that end, we wish you a meaningful Memorial Day – pausing to remember its true purpose.

This Weekend: Passages Bar & Grill, Admirals Club open

Haven Harbour Marina's Passages Bar & Grill and Haven Harbour South's Admirals Club Beachside Bar are open! Both are hosting a food truck this weekend and serving bar offerings and beverages to compliment.

EZ Access Eats at Passages Bar & Grill:

Today, May 26: 4:00–9:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 27, 2:00–9:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 28: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

So Coast Street Eats at Admirals Club:

Today, May 26: 4:00–9:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 27, 2:00–9:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 28: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Learn more about our upcoming dock bar, occasional food truck and live entertainment happenings, and be sure to follow Passages Bar & Grill and Admirals Club Beachside Bar on Facebook.

On the Radar: The Haven Yacht Club's opening day, festivities for new season

The Haven Yacht Club will be having their opening day and flag raising next Saturday, June 3, at 4:00 p.m.

A time-honored tradition for the club, members assemble at Haven Harbour Marina's Reception Center each year, dressed in casual white, to catch-up with one another, meet new members and hear introductory remarks from the group's commodore Larry Vernamonti.

As in previous years, beer and wine will be provided complimentary by the club, but all THYC members are kindly asked to bring along an appetizer to share. Slipholders of Haven Harbour Marina and Haven Harbour South are welcome to join in on the festivities, as it is the club's desire to ensure that everyone knows what the organization stands for and what the social agenda will be for the coming year. Learn more about the group's opening day.

Also – reserve your spot on THYC's group cruises to Annapolis Yacht Basin (Aug. 18-19) and Herrington Harbour South (Sept. 8-9). Contact Dan Martelli of No Good Deed in slip Red 18 at [email protected], or Kevin Craig of Full Circle in slip Red 31 at [email protected] for details.