What is Memorial Day? (5/23/2025)

We have a 3--day weekend coming up that is usually a sun-filled weekend to rest and relax, or even go to the beach.  Unfortunately, this weekend is not looking like a typical Memorial Day weekend with regard to the weather.  What is Memorial Day?

The federal holiday was declared in 1971 by Congress to be the last Monday in May.  It was originally celebrated in 1865 to honor African Americans who fought as Union soldiers and whose lives were lost in the Civil War.  A national celebration of lost soldiers then was established on May 30, 1868 and people were known to decorate the graves of those who had fallen. Following World War I, May 30th became known as Memorial Day rather that Decoration Day, and this began to commemorate U.S. Military who lost their lives fighting on behalf of the United States.

Now that we have arrived into the 21st century, it has been a moment to remember anyone who has lost their life in any of the wars but also to remember loved ones who have passed. At this time of year,, I like to remember my father who lived a long life and passed away at age 97.  It is comforting to spend some part of the weekend with extended family and to remember all those who are no longer together with us.

As a way to remember my father, who has been the source of my siblings and myself listening and studying classical music, my family has created the Akira Isihara Memorial Violin Scholarships.  We are fortunate to be able to give to the school annually, so that the SSN Board's Scholarship committee is able to have predictable and stable funding towards need-based violin scholarships.  Violin was the instrument my father loved most, and that he played as an amateur from time to time. We also have the James Thornblade Memorial Fund to commemorate the founder of our music school, Gwendoline Thornblade's late husband.  There is also the Marlene Lerer Preschool Fund to honor our Preschool founder, Marlene, who founded the Preschool in 2009 and retired in 2016.

Creating a named scholarship in honor of someone you loved is just one way to honor their memory by giving back to the community! If you would like to honor a loved one by supporting our efforts to bring music to every child in our community, please do not hesitate to reach out and I would be happy to connect for a conversation.

I wish all our Suzuki community a very restful and meaningful weekend.    By continuing the tradition of Memorial Day or other observances, we keep our memories alive.