May 28, 2018
Ever wondered about this holiday?
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.
Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.
Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends.
I, myself, never lost any family from any wars. I, myself, am a veteran, so while Memorial Day doesn't, directly, apply to me (and I'm glad it didn't, or else I would be writing this!), it is nice to remember those who died, fighting for the ideals of a better America. Let's always do our best to Make America Great, Always!