THE MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY

The upcoming three-day weekend is about more than barbecues, blockbusters, and the beach.  Technically, summer doesn’t start until June 21, but many people consider the upcoming Memorial Day to be the unofficial start of the season.  This year, we celebrate the holiday on May 25.  Many families will heat up the grill, head to the beach or take in a big blockbuster movie.  But, as many of us know, Memorial Day has the word “memorial” in it for a reason.

The holiday got started on May 30, 1868, when Union General John Logan declared the day an occasion to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers. Twenty years later, the name was changed to Memorial Day.  On May 11, 1950, Congress passed a resolution requesting that the President issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer.  President Richard M. Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday in 1971.  It is an occasion to honor the men and and women who died in all wars.

Remember to hold dear and honor those with the nerve to serve; they paid a price that can never be repaid, they along with their returning brothers and sisters in arms, cared enough to give of themselves for others.  Each active service man or woman, veteran, wounded service person or fallen hero has sacrificed for their families, the nation and freedom worldwide.  Most cities and towns have local Memorial Day celebrations.  Here are some ways that we can honor the men and women who serve our country:

*Put flags or flowers on the graves of men and women who served in wars.

*Fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon.

*Visit monuments dedicated to soldiers, sailors and marines.

*Participate in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.

*March in a parade.

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