Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It honors and remembers the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
This day observed on the last Monday of May every year. It is a time for Americans to pay their respects and express their gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave individuals. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Fought from 1861 to 1865. During the war, over 620,000 soldiers from both the Union and Confederate sides lost their lives. As the war ended, Americans in both the North and South began holding ceremonies to remember the fallen soldiers.
The first official Memorial Day
The first official Memorial Day observed on May 30, 1868. General John Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared that flowers be placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Initially known as Decoration Day and observed on May 30th every year. Many cemetaries are still decorated with flags and flowers on this day across the country.
Over Time
Over time, Memorial Day became a day to honor ALL fallen American soldiers, not just those who died during the Civil War. In1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday and its observance moved to the last Monday of May.
Observance of Memorial Day
This day is observed in different ways across the country. Many choose to fly the American flag at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, as a symbol of respect for the fallen soldiers. Flags are flown in yards and on flag poles. Parades, many attend ceremonies held in honor of the day, visits to cemeteries to decorate their graves with flowers and flags. Some may even offer a toast over a meal with a prayer for those who serve now and served before. Often in my home we would watch war movies on this day after a meal together as a way to remember the sacrifices made .
The National Moment of Remembrance
Another common way to observe Memorial Day is by participating in the National Moment of Remembrance. The moment of silence observed at 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day. This as a way to remember and honor the sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers.
Importance of Memorial Day
It is a time to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of these individuals, and to express gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities that they have helped secure for all Americans.
A reminder of the ongoing sacrifices made by American service members, both at home and abroad. It is a day to show support for the families of fallen soldiers and to honor the service of those who continue to serve in the U.S. military.
Memorial Day in the 21st Century
In recent years, there has been some debate about the meaning and significance of Memorial Day. Some argue that the day has become too commercialized and its true purpose lost like some of our other holidays true meanings. ( Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.)
More important than ever in the 21st century
Some point out that Memorial Day is more important than ever in the 21st century. The United States continues to engage in conflicts around the world. Sacrifices made by American soldiers sometimes overlooked or taken for granted. If you want to learn more about the sacrifices made, then speak with a senior who lived through the wars. Someone of the boomers age who fought in Viet Nam. The Viet Nam generation not respected or given the same honor given to veterans of World War I and II.
Our military deserve to be praised, their health care needs met, and their stories told. We are living in a world that has lost it’s morals with so many mass killings and disrespect by our politicians. Our young people need to remember the sacrifices these brave men and women have made and continue making for us with respect and dignity.
Despite these challenges, Memorial Day remains an important and meaningful day for Americans. A time to come together and remember the sacrifices made by the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is a time to honor their bravery and selflessness, and to express gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities that they have helped secure for all Americans.
Conclusion
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and gratitude for the men and women who died for our freedoms. As we observe this important holiday, let us also remember those veterans who are still with us and ensure that they receive the care and support that they deserve.