To many people Memorial Day is just the end of the three day weekend that kicks off summer. To to others it means that the school year is almost over.
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.
“First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.”
There are many stories as to Memorial Day‘s actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War.
But no matter what you may find on Google Memorial Day is really about remembering those U.S. military personnel who lost their lives fighting in wars whether you think those wars were right or wrong.
But that does not mean that I don’t like having a three day weekend and spending Memorial Day afternoon BBQ’ing with Tara and Kelly. Especially on a beautiful sunny day.
Memorial Day History
“To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.
The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.”
These videos are real tear jerkers.
Filed under: Holidays | Tagged: holiday, Memorial Day, remembrance |
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