South Lake Tahoe Memorial Day ceremony

The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day ceremony at the Happy Homestead Cemetery, 1261 Johnson Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe, on Monday, May 28, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.

The annual remembrance event is hosted by the American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe and their Ladies Auxiliary. After the ceremony, locals and visitors are invited for cake and refreshments at the American Legion Hall on Lake Tahoe Blvd.

“Memorial Day is a significant opportunity to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” said American Legion Commander, Matthew Panks. “We hope we get a good turnout that includes community members and leaders. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us for this important ceremony.”

Lake Valley firefighter Larry Stewart died on the job in 1964. His memory will be dedicated on the Public Safety Wall of Honor during the May 28 ceremony.

Carol Olivas and others from the Legion put up 592 flags on gravesites at Happy Homestead this weekend belonging to veterans.

The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day," which was first used in 1882. Memorial Day did not become the more common name until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted Congress' change of date within a few years.

The holiday is currently observed every year on the last Monday of May. The holiday was held on May 30 from 1868 to 1970. It marks the unofficial start of the summer vacation season,[3] while Labor Day marks its end.