Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day from BHHS McMillen and Associates! We hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day. Here are some fun facts about memorial day!

1. It was originally called Decoration Day

To honor the deceased, soldiers would decorate graves of their fallen comrades with flowers, flags and wreaths.

2. Waterloo, New York is considered the birthplace of Memorial Day

in 1966 Congress unanimously passed a resolution to officially recognize Waterloo as the birthplace of the holiday.

3. More than 36 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day

At least, according to AAA estimates. That’s the highest total since the recession.

4. Flag half-mast

The flag is supposed to be flown at half-mast until noon, and then raised to full mast until sunset on Memorial Day.

5. More Americans died during the Civil War then any other

There were more American lives lost during the Civil War than the two World Wars combined. Approximately 620,000 died during the Civil War while approximately 116,516 died in World War I and approximately 405,399 died in World War II.

6. Red Poppies is a popular Memorial Day Tradition

Originated from a poem called “In Flanders Field” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915.

6. It didn’t become a federal holiday until 1971

American’s embraced the notion of “Decoration Day” immediately. That first year, more than 27 states held some sort of ceremony, with more than 5,000 people in attendance at a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Check out this patriotic recipe:

CHEESECAKE STUFFED STRAWBERRIES from dessertsnowdinnerlater.com

Ingredients

• 24+ large, fresh strawberries (1 1/2 to 2 lbs, depends on how much you fill them)
• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, room temperature or softened slightly
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

Here are some fun things to do this weekend around town:

~ Teen Movie and Craft event will take place at the Steele Memorial Library in Mt Olive 4 to 6pm May 25th. The movie will be Star Wars: Rouge One. Free. 919-299-8105

~ May 26th will be the guided costume tour of Gov. Charles B Aycock Birthplace in Fremont from 10am to 3pm. Free . 919-242-5581

~ Community Drum Circle will be held at the Arts Council of Wayne County 6pm to 8pm. Free. 919-736-3300

~ Thelonious Monk Tribute Concert will take place from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Arts Council of Wayne County on May 27th. The Eddie Anderson Project Featuring: Michael B. Monk Sr. on Saxophone and his 12 yr. old son “Mike Mike” on Drums/Also Bobby E. Monk Sr. Vocalist & CEO of The Monk US Memorial Foundation in concert. Information and Tickets please call 919-736-3300

~ Canoe Paddle Class May 30th at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park at 5:30pm. Free. 919-778-6234

~ Paddle Board Fitness (Yoga Beginner) at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park May 31 at 5:30pm. Registration is required. 919-778-6234

~ Wings of Wayne Military Appreciate Festival will be held from 1pm to 6pm. Family friendly, Military Appreciation Day featuring a Chicken Wing Cook-Off, Bands and more! 207. S Center St.  Free. 919-736-3300

~ Dillard Alumni and Friends is hosting their annual homecoming Parade on May 27th. A downtown tradition bring the whole family to enjoy the 100 parade entries, including floats, bands and more. Starting at 10am to 12pm. The route begins on S. Center Street.

~ Dillard Alumni dance The Young at Heart Dance will be held at the H.V. Brown Hall on Saturday night from 10pm to 2am. Admission is $20.

~ May 27th Coming Back to Give Back Talent Expo presented by the Watson Eagle Foundation. Contact the Paramount Theatre for more information. 919-778-0888

~ 1st Annual Downeast Rolling Thunder Ride May 26th at 10am from the Elks Lodge in Goldsboro to the Kinston Veterans Home. You will have an opportunity to visit with some American Heros that call KVH their home!