By May Hunter
On Monday, May 27, 2024, Americans across the country will celebrate the brave servicemen and servicewomen who died defending our country. Memorial Day Weekend is the official start of summer, often a weekend filled with family get-togethers. But the true meaning of Memorial Day is a much more solemn occasion. It’s a day of remembrance to honor the sacrifice made by the men and women who have died during their services in the United States Military.
Whether you celebrate by hosting a backyard BBQ get-together or having a simple and intimate moment of silence with your loved ones, Memorial Day is a special time to honor the bravery and courage of our troops. The Freedom we have in America, we should never forget. That very freedom came at the expense of the brave heroes who lost their lives fighting to protect it. Memorial Day is an American holiday on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women, who served. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” it began during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves who lost their lives in battle. After World War 1, it came to be observed in honor of those who had died in all U.S. wars, and its name changed to Memorial Day. The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. In 1967, an act of Congress made the new name official! So it was out with the old tradition of Decoration Day followed a few years later, when Memorial Day was moved from May 30 to the last Monday in May, when flowers are in bloom.
We would like to thank the American Legion for making sure an American Flag is placed on all those who served in the U.S. Military.
All across the world, families gather in cemeteries to honor their ancestors. Many have the same traditions year after year to remember those that have gone before them.
Remembering these ancestors and contemplating how they dealt with the adversities in there lives helps give us perspective and hope. To remember our ancestors is important, because we know who we are, our history, and to preserve traditions and values that runs in the family for generations. Memorial Day is a national holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring those who have passed. Regardless if they served in the military or not.
No matter what is going on in the world, it’s important to remember that we should be grateful for the courage and service of those who have gone before.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” -John F. Kennedy
Clean-up for cemetery decorations is Monday following Memorial Day.