Remember Memorial Day
Monday is Memorial Day, and it is more than just a three day weekend that provides the weary a rest from work and school. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and is a day of remembrance of those who have died protecting the freedom our nation’s founders worked so hard to earn for us. Memorial Day was first officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 after the Civil War. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. New York first recognized the holiday in 1873, and by 1890 all northern states recognized Memorial Day. Southern states refused to recognize the holiday until after World War I when the holiday was changed from honoring just those who died in the Civil War to those who died fighting in any war. In 1971, Congress created Memorial Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday in May.
Remember the fallen heroes who protected the freedom you and your family enjoy this Memorial Day. Enjoy the day, but recognize and reflect on the sacrifices that allow you to enjoy the day with a moment of silence, meditation and prayer on Monday.