Memorial Day, an important holiday in the United States, holds a rich history that dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, then evolved into a day of remembrance to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins of Memorial Day, explore its historical significance, and pay tribute to the heroes who have shaped the nation we know today.
We can trace the roots back to the years following the Civil War, one of the most transformative periods in American history. The war's aftermath claimed many lives, and communities nationwide sought ways to commemorate their fallen heroes. By giving back to their families, and to do as declared by John A. Logan On May 5, 1868: “May 30th is the day to decorate the graves of those who died in the Civil War.” The birth of “Decoration Day”
General John Alexander Logan, photograph by Mathew Brady, ca. 1865.(National Archives Identifier 529374)
Since then many commemorative traditions are held to list a few:
• Visiting a history museum
• Watch a Memorial Day concert, which profits at often go to their families
• Attend the town parade
• Flag-raising ceremonies
• On a personal and intimate way visit our love one who have passed on, to decorate their graves with flags, flowers, and token of remembrance.
• Observe a moment of silence as an expression of gratitude
All of these actions slowly and gradually expand its significance beyond honoring Civil War Soldiers to commemorate all Americans who died in military service, to name a few World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and beyond. In 1971, the U.S. Congress pass the National Holiday Act, establishing the last Monday in May, a three-day weekend for all Americans to pay tribute to our heroes with family and friends. A change that promote the observance of “Memorial Day”.
Washington DC Memorial Day Parade
Beyond its commemorative nature, Memorial Day also presents is an opportunity for education and remembrance of the why we now celebrate it. And may it be source of wisdom that drives our decisions to protect the foundation of liberty and freedom that we have, which I know is the true commemoration of their sacrifices. By learning about the sacrifices made by countless individuals in service to their country, we deepen our understanding of history and cultivate a sense of appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy today.
In the observance of this holiday three lessons that are valuable in building character and a sense of responsibility:
1. The Sacrifice of Service: It reminds us of the sacrifice made by the brave men and women who served in the military. It teaches us to recognize the importance of honoring the selflessness act of protecting this nation. And instill gratitude within us for the sacrifices that were made throughout military history.
2. The Value of Freedom: It accentuates the meaning of freedom. A freedom owed to the sacrifices of individuals whose name we would never know. This lesson points to the need to protect the foundational principals of this nation that have passed on to us.
3. Remembrance and Commemoration: There are many lessons to learn from their lives, experiences, and legacies. The collective sharing of their memories keeps them alive and remembered.
Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the selflessness and courage displayed by those who fought to safeguard our liberties. From its origins as Decoration Day to its current significance as Memorial Day, this holiday stands as a testament of gratitude and respect. The validation of these sentiments is our conviction to build upon the foundation of freedom we have by strengthening, extending it to all, and making sure the list of heroes remains intact and unchanged.