Memorial Day

Always Remember

Take a look around you. What do you see? How do you feel? What do you have? I can sum it all up in one word: “freedom.”

Memorial Day is the most important holiday we celebrate in the United States. It’s easy to say thank you to those who “made it back.” Today, we celebrate those who gave it all so we can be free. Bless you all and thanks.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Here's a brief history of the holiday:

• Civil War Roots (1860s):
  Memorial Day has its origins in the aftermath of the Civil War (1861–1865), which was the deadliest conflict in American history. Communities across the country began holding springtime tributes to the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

• Decoration Day (1868):
  The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a nationwide day of remembrance. The 1st official observance took place on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery.

• Post–World War I:
  After World War I, the holiday was expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in all wars, not just the Civil War.

• Memorial Day Name:
  The name "Memorial Day" gradually became more common, and in 1967, it was officially recognized by the federal government. Memorial Day was originally observed on May 30, but in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees. This change aimed to encourage travel and leisure, but also drew criticism for shifting focus away from the day's solemn purpose.

• Traditions include:

  • Visiting cemeteries and memorials

  • Placing American flags on the graves of fallen soldiers

  • Holding parades, especially in cities with strong military traditions

  • A national moment of remembrance at 3:00 PM local time

  • Widely seen as the unofficial start of summer in the U.S.

    

Many people revere Independence Day as being the most important holiday in these United States. Maybe we should have fireworks on Memorial Day, and things would change. I, for one, hope they don’t. This holiday is an important one. Nothing is more precious than life. It’s not always easy, but as far as I’ve determined, life is better than anything else. I cannot thank those who knew the battles they fought in were fighting for our freedom. Today is important. Don’t forget it.