Memorial Day is an important national holiday for every American citizen. It is much more than a day of barbecues, family get togethers, parades, visits to cemeteries and memorials, or moments of silence. It is a day to remember those that sacrificed their lives for our great nation.
Fallen Soldiers this Memorial Day
On this Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and share with you the words of a poem written long ago to honor those soldiers who gave their lives to preserve our great union:
Our Nation is reverently thinking today
Of the loved ones sleeping beneath the cold clay;
Of the sacrifice made, and the brave deeds done,
To preserve our Union as a glorious one.
We ne’er will be able to pay the great cost
Of the noble, the true, and the brave that we’ve lost;
But over their graves, with tears like the dew,
We’ll lay our sweet flowers of red, white and blue.
– Memorial Day by Frederick W. Emerson
Ways to Honor the Fallen
As we observe Memorial Day, we can honor our fallen heroes in many meaningful ways:
- Visit cemeteries and memorials to pay respects by placing flowers, flags, or wreaths.
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time to reflect on the sacrifices of our military heroes.
- Support Gold Star Families, those who have lost loved ones in military service.
- Share stories of veterans and educate younger generations about the true meaning of Memorial Day.
- Display the American flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to full-staff to symbolize perseverance.
The History of Memorial Day
Originally known as Decoration Day, this solemn holiday began after the Civil War to honor fallen Union soldiers. Over time, it evolved to recognize all U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in service. In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May.
A Grateful Nation Remembers – Fallen Soldiers this Memorial Day
While Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, it is first and foremost a day of remembrance. Let us take a moment to honor those who have given everything for our country and reflect on their sacrifice. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms we enjoy every day.
We wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.
