Image via Kozzi
Often considered the first day of summer fun, Memorial Day is much more than trips to the beach, grilled hot dogs, and fireworks. Before you set out for a long weekend or the start of a family vacation, take a moment and remember what Memorial Day is truly all about.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday to remember and honor all the soldiers who died while serving in the military. These military members, and their families, give the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe year-round. We need to remember them all year long, but Memorial Day is a good day to set aside time to think about what is required to keep our country protected.
A Brief History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and honored the soldiers who died during the Civil War, both on the Union and Confederate sides. There is some dispute about when and where the first Memorial Day began. On May 26, 1966, President Johnson signed a presidential proclamation naming Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of the holiday in 1866.
The holiday became known as Memorial Day in 1882. After World War II, the day became more widely known and “celebrated.” The original date for Memorial Day was May 30 and was changed to fall on a Monday to create a three-day weekend in 1971.
Observing Memorial Day
If you’d like to do something to mark the importance of a soldier’s ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day, there are plenty of things you can do.
- Check with the VFW for planned memorials and programs.
- Lower your flag to half-mast until noon.
- Attend local events for the day.
- Watch the National Memorial Day Concert on the U.S. Capitol Lawn (usually aired by PBS or NPR)
- If you know any living spouses of military members who died in combat, visit them, talk with them, and remember with them.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the unofficial beginning of summer with a day on the beach, a few hours getting a great deal at local stores, or getting the grill out for hamburgers and hotdogs. But make sure you remember the reason for the day and take a moment to think about those who sacrificed everything for their country.
Happy Memorial Day to everyone! And to the families and friends of fallen soldiers, their and your sacrifices are not forgotten.
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