Some recognize Memorial Day by the seemingly endless commercials for car sales.  Some recognize it as a long weekend to gather with friends and family around the barbecue.  But what is the meaning of Memorial Day and why do we recognize it?

 

Memorial Day is an American holiday on the last Monday of May.  It honors fallen service members of the United States military.  While most know Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, many don't know its exact history, importance, or how to properly pay tribute.

 

 

Americans began to recognize Memorial Day in 1868, and the country established it as a federal holiday in 1971.  Originally known as "Decoration Day," the holiday started with communities coming together to decorate the graves of those who died during service.

 

"Every generation, from the Civil War to both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam, has had men who have either paid the ultimate sacrifice or have been injured.  So, it's ingrained in our DNA to stand in the gap," said National Guard veteran Bill Hansen.  "To stand in the gap is to serve and support our country, and our family, even when others don't."

 

After the Civil War, Americans across the nation began holding tributes in the spring, decorating graves with flowers, reciting prayers, and honoring the estimated 620,000 fallen soldiers of the war (2% of the population at the time).  Some records show that formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina organized the earliest Memorial Day commemorations in 1865.  In 1866, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day when the city closed all businesses so residents could decorate the gravesites of soldiers with flowers and American flags every year.

 

 

 

While many celebrate the day outdoors alongside family and friends, others mourn the loss of their brothers and sisters in arms, paying tribute to their memory in any way they can.

 

"Memorial Day is important to me because I honor those who have sacrificed their lives and their family's lives in pursuit of freedom for our nation," said Army veteran Edwin Martinez.  "What greater gift can one man or woman sacrifice to keep the United States free and maintain our way of life?

 

U.S. Marine Corps veteran, David Daly, also holds Memorial Day close to his heart.  He recognizes that many look forward to the long weekend, but encourages us all to look beyond the day off and remember the bravery of the men and women who served.

 

"It has been said that one of the greatest tragedies is to be forgotten," said David Daly.  "As people take the opportunity afforded them by the long weekend associated with Memorial Day, it is important to remember why the day exists.  For me, the day reminds me of friends lost and the horrors of war.  At the same time, it reminds us all that while the day-to-day events of the world often paint a picture of gloom and doom, we still live in a place where heroes are among us.  While these brave souls have passed in service, their memory is honored on Memorial Day to remind us that we had the privilege of existing on the same plane as them, even if it was only for a moment."

 

 

Attend an event or parade:  Communities across the nation organize events and parades to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Join a local event or attend a parade to show respect and let the families of the fallen know their loved one is not forgotten.

 

Fly the U.S. Flag:  If you haven't already put out the flag as a symbol of patriotism.  According to the VA, on Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to the top of the staff until sunset.