“We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.” ― President Ronald Reagan
In a country like the U.S., where we respect different religions and ways of life, there are very few rituals we all, as a nation, observe together.
Originally called “Decoration Day,” May 30 was first set aside as a holiday in 1868 to commemorate Soldiers fallen on Civil War battlefields. The date was chosen specifically because it did not fall on the same day as any particular battle.
Memorial events were held in 183 cemeteries across 27 states that year, and a tradition was born that would help a war-torn nation find common ground and begin a long healing process.
Over time, Memorial Day became the more common name for the holiday, which gradually expanded to honor service members lost in all military conflicts.
Many Americans observed the holiday by attending memorial services at cemeteries, flying the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon, or holding a moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
Nowadays, nearly every American town holds a parade of some sort and puts on a festival and a concert to boot. For many, the overall meaning of the holiday has expanded to include honoring everyone who’s ever served in the U.S. military. To service members, Memorial Day is a time-honored American tradition that has followed our brothers and sisters in arms through history.
Today, the U.S. military enjoys greater support from the American public than nearly any other institution. Regardless of politics, religion, creed, race and gender, the people of our country believe in us and what we stand for. Both a tremendous honor and responsibility, Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to appreciate the tremendous support we receive. Many veterans from past conflicts can attest, this hasn’t always been the case. Public trust is not something we should take for granted. As we continue military operations across multiple theaters in an ever-changing global environment, the support of the American public becomes more important to us every day.
So while it’s easy to lose track of the original intent of Memorial Day, as we make our plans to travel, go shopping or put on barbecues with friends and family, take a moment this weekend to appreciate all that has happened in our nation’s history to lead to this holiday.
Military life is not an easy path, and many of us may feel we deserve a day off for all the sacrifices we have made in the name of service. But this holiday is an old American tradition based on a debt we owe to those who’ve gone before us — a price they paid in blood.
Twitter
Facebook
“We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.” ― President Ronald Reagan
In a country like the U.S., where we respect different religions and ways of life, there are very few rituals we all, as a nation, observe together.
Originally called “Decoration Day,” May 30 was first set aside as a holiday in 1868 to commemorate Soldiers fallen on Civil War battlefields. The date was chosen specifically because it did not fall on the same day as any particular battle.
Memorial events were held in 183 cemeteries across 27 states that year, and a tradition was born that would help a war-torn nation find common ground and begin a long healing process.
Over time, Memorial Day became the more common name for the holiday, which gradually expanded to honor service members lost in all military conflicts.
Many Americans observed the holiday by attending memorial services at cemeteries, flying the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon, or holding a moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
Nowadays, nearly every American town holds a parade of some sort and puts on a festival and a concert to boot. For many, the overall meaning of the holiday has expanded to include honoring everyone who’s ever served in the U.S. military. To service members, Memorial Day is a time-honored American tradition that has followed our brothers and sisters in arms through history.
Today, the U.S. military enjoys greater support from the American public than nearly any other institution. Regardless of politics, religion, creed, race and gender, the people of our country believe in us and what we stand for. Both a tremendous honor and responsibility, Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to appreciate the tremendous support we receive. Many veterans from past conflicts can attest, this hasn’t always been the case. Public trust is not something we should take for granted. As we continue military operations across multiple theaters in an ever-changing global environment, the support of the American public becomes more important to us every day.
So while it’s easy to lose track of the original intent of Memorial Day, as we make our plans to travel, go shopping or put on barbecues with friends and family, take a moment this weekend to appreciate all that has happened in our nation’s history to lead to this holiday.
Military life is not an easy path, and many of us may feel we deserve a day off for all the sacrifices we have made in the name of service. But this holiday is an old American tradition based on a debt we owe to those who’ve gone before us — a price they paid in blood.