What Does Memorial Day Mean?

For many Americans, Memorial Day signifies the start of the summer season, as well as a much-needed long weekend filled with activities like sporting events and barbecues. But that wasn’t the original purpose of the day—and its evolution over the years has been rife with controversy.

Not to be confused with Veterans Day, this federal holiday honors those who lost their lives in service of their country. Since the end of the Civil War, when it was known as Decoration Day, the holiday has been marked by solemn parades and ceremonies and the placing of flowers on the graves of fallen service members.

Memorial Day is when we unite to honor and remember servicemen and women who answered America’s call and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day is the day for America as one body to come together and say, “Thank you. We remember you.”

Visit fallen brothers, sisters, or loved ones. Take your children to the National Cemetery or show them one online and explain what this day means. Teach your children about the love these men and women had for their country and the sacrifices they willingly and honorably gave for our freedoms.

Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. It’s the three-day weekend that kicks off the summer season and the time for hanging out at the beach and lakes, and barbecuing with friends and family. But Memorial Day is also the most solemn American holiday — a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending their nation.?

Towns and cities across the country host grand Memorial Day parades every year, often featuring senior veterans and military personnel. Some of the biggest parades take place in New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Cemeteries and memorials are also visited by Americans, with some citizens wearing or holding red poppies to symbolize those who have fallen in war.

This tradition has been around since World War I. Weekend trips and parties are also arranged to balance out the somberness of the day and welcome the summer.

HOW TO OBSERVE MEMORIAL DAY

1. Pay your respects

Lay flowers on the grave of a family member or friend who died while serving. If you don't personally know any fallen soldiers, visit a local cemetery anyway. After all, they made the ultimate sacrifice for you.

2. Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance

By doing so, you'll be joining millions of Americans in national unity to honor Memorial Day for what it truly is — a day to remember those who laid down their lives in service of their country and its citizens.

3. Fly the flag

If you have an American flag at home, be sure to fly it at half-mast until noon, then raise it to full mast for the rest of the day. The practice of lowering and then raising the flag has been observed for over 100 years to symbolize America's persistence in the face of loss.

Never let their sacrifice be forgotten. Many veterans join together to remember, share stories and ensure their life, service, and memory lives on.

As a veteran I remember my brothers and sisters, whom I was honored to have known and served with. There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by that I don’t honor and remember them. I have lost many over the years and miss every one of them. May God take care of them and look over their families.

God Bless our fallen and God Bless America!