As Memorial Day nears, those of us in Tahoe tend to think about the beginning of summer with all its trappings: campgrounds open, summer sports, sunny days and traffic.

The real meaning of Memorial Day sometimes gets lost in the frenzy. Memorial Day was created after the Civil War to honor those who had died serving the country.

Initially called Decoration Day, it was designated for “the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.”

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After World War I, the holiday changed from honoring only those who died fighting in the Civil War, to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.

The “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed in 2000. It asks that at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence.”

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Upcoming Library Events

Incline Village Library

Wednesday, May 24, at 4 p.m. Family Story Time. For children of all ages with a focus on enjoying literacy and language as a family. Thursday, May 25, at 11:15 a.m. Toddler Time. Enjoy stories, music, and movement! Best for children ages 18 months to 3 years old. Wednesday, May 31, at 4 p.m. Summer Reading Program Kick-off Party! Join us as we build a better world through summer reading. We’ll kick off with signups, build a better Eighth Wonder of the World contest, and popsicles to end the fun! Read all summer long, earn points, win free books, and much more.

Kings Beach Library

Thursday, May 25, at 3-4 p.m. “Digital Photo Management: organize and store your photos so you can find them again!” Thursday, May 25, from 1-2 p.m. Placer Adult Literacy training. Learn to be a reading tutor! Call for details and to sign up. Tuesday, May 30. Preschool Story Time. Come join the fun! Books, songs, and a craft.

We are gearing up for Summer Reading. Stop by and check out all our fun events. Signup begins June 16.

Tahoe City Library

Thursday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. Storytime with Miss Livia at the Tahoe City Library. Join our crowd of 5 and under kids, and their caregivers for some enthusiastic off-key singing and stories. Also, come in to make your mark on our community coloring artwork (all ages) through the end of May.

Anne Greenwood is Branch Manager at the Kings Beach Library.