“Today is Memorial Day. We have set aside this day to remember the fallen men and women in our armed forces. Historically, in 1868, Memorial Day was first called Decorations Day. It was a day to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. In the Arlington National Cemetery, at least 5,000 people gathered at the gravesite of over 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. They respectfully decorated each grave. Later, the name was changed and called Memorial Day. It became a day to honor all of our men and women who died in war.
Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1971. It was traditionally observed on May 30, but now it is on the last Monday in May, making the observance a three-day weekend. Most people appreciate an extra day off work and cherish the quality time with family. This day is also seen to mark the beginning of summer. Many families congregate together to barbeque, picnic and enjoy the parades or watch sports.
However, we should never forget the freedoms we enjoy are a direct result of the unselfish sacrifices of those men and women who willingly died while serving their country. Many husbands, wives and close relatives will mourn as they visit the cemeteries or memorials to lay flowers at their loved ones’ gravesites. Customarily, but often forgotten, is the pause for silence at 3:00pm in the afternoon to remember the fallen.
As a nation, we should stop in silence, not only remember these fallen heroes, but to pray for their families. Our children should be taught the value of honoring those who have died. In gratitude, our homes should proudly show the American flag.” – Raul Ries
“Our debt to the heroic men and women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
~President Harry S. Truman~
Words do not express properly the amount of gratitude that I have for the men and women who have served our country. Their sacrifices are often forgotten in the busyness of our day to day lives as we reap the blessings of their service. Please stop and say thank you to a veteran today.
