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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>CALS Cooperative Extension Personnel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br>In May 1868, General John A. Logan, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic - the organization for Union Civil War veterans - issued a proclamation that "Decoration Day" should be observed nationwide and annually. He ordered that all posts decorate the graves of the country's war dead with flowers on May 30, saying: "We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic."<br><br>Today, Decoration Day -- now known as Memorial Day -- is still celebrated by adorning the graves of U.S. Service Members killed in battle and memorializing them with parades, services and ceremonies. We have also extended the tradition to honor all of our family and friends who have gone before us. <br><br>Memorial Day is also the official start of summer, and I hope the long weekend offers you a chance to relax and spend some time with family and friends. Whether you are on the water (where you can find it out here), at the park, at a ball game, traveling or cooking out, it is most important that you do it safely. <br><br>Thank you for your dedication and hard work in support of CALS Cooperative Extension. Have a great, safe Memorial Day weekend!</span><br><br><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>Jeff</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>