It is easy to forget what Memorial Day stands for while you're shopping or sitting by the pool and looking forward to upcoming summer and warm weather fun. The historical reason for the holiday implies much more than just a fun and relaxing three day weekend.
Memorial Day is a solemn day of rememberence for those that died while serving in our armed forces. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate dead soldiers.
In the years that followed Civil War, Memorial Day celebrations, much different than these days, took different roots in the North and South. It wasn't until after WWII that the holiday gained a strong national following, identity and purpose. In 1967 by the act of Congress it became known as Memorial Day to reflect all the previous wars, including the then active Vietnam War.
In 1968 Congress cemented the modern culture of Memorial Day in this country by passing the Uniform Holiday Act, designating Memorial Day as the last Monday in May rather than May 30th as it had been previously observed. This insured a three day weekend with Monday as the unofficial start of summer, mixing good fun with the necessity of serious reflection and rememberence of those "who gave it all" to preserve our freedoms.
Please remember our fallen heroes. Give them a moment of silence at 3 PM on Monday, Memorial Day. PLEASE CLICK ON THE BELOW BRIEF VIDEO. Thank You.