Honoring Memorial Day

 It is not about barbecues, drinking, or finding great sales. Memorial Day, in the United States, is a day of remembrance for those Americans who, in the service of their country, fought and died in wars.    

History 

The holiday originated after the U.S. Civil war in 1868 and was first called Decoration Day for the practice of decorating graves with flags, flowers, and coins. The name was officially changed in 1967 to Memorial Day. More than 1.8 million troops have died in battle since 1775 and overall, 42 million U.S. veterans have served in war. It is celebrated on the last Monday of May   

Purpose 

Unlike Veterans Day, Memorial Day honors the soldiers who died while serving. Veterans Day celebrates all military veterans. Both are important, but one is more somber than the other.  

Respect 

Today, flags will fly at half-staff. Hopefully everyone will give at least one thought to those men and women who gave everything.   

From myself and my family, I wish to extend an honorable appreciation for those who gave their lives and their families who suffered the enduring loss. Thank you. I recognize the very freedoms and prosperity this country benefits from are a direct result of the collective loss and sacrifice. I humbly admit I do not, and will never know, the bounds of how our lives have benefited, I do know it has. So, thank you, for what I know and what I do not.   

Today we recognize all those sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, and brothers and sisters who did not come home because of the ravages of war. Their memory, and that of their families, will not be forsaken and should not be tarnished. Not on this day. 

Image credits: 

• Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images 
• http://www.myinterestingfacts.com/memorial-day-facts/