The Old Farmers Almanac has this history of Memorial Day.

“The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition, but the specific origin of Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was first known, are unclear.

“In early rural America, this duty was usually performed in late summer and was an occasion for family reunions and picnics. After the Civil War, America’s need for a secular, patriotic ceremony to honor its military dead became prominent, as monuments to fallen soldiers were erected and dedicated, and ceremonies centering on the decoration of soldiers’ graves were held in towns and cities throughout the nation.

“After World War I, the day expanded to honor those who have died in all America wars.”

Click here to read more at The Old Farmers Almanac.

Yesterday, Columbia’s parade seemed to have fewer units, and  – at least, in the two hundred block of Locust Street, fewer spectators.

… but outside Hinkle’s on the tile wall, a young butterfly stopped – perhaps, to listen to march music or to admire the cutest, most-well behaved little girl who’d sat with her father patiently for parade units.

Click here to see Columbia Spy‘s dozens of great photos of the parade units and the ceremony honoring those who died serving the nation at the Park at Locust and Fifth Streets.

Meanwhile at River Park, visitors including walkers, bikers, sight-seers and boaters competed for parking spaces. Some made their own in violation of the fancy signage at the park’s gateway. The floating docks have been placed and the trolley with a single passenger made a pass through the park.