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Exploring the History of Memorial Day

Often, when a person thinks of Memorial Day, images of soldiers and war come to mind. This is because Memorial Day is a holiday that the citizens of the United States have set aside to remember those who have lost their lives while defending their nation. In exploring the history of Memorial Day, we find that many areas within the United States of America claim rights to the origin of Memorial Day. However, on the 5th day of May in the year 1868, a General by the name of John Logan claimed the day as the official Memorial Day. A group of many United States citizens started to observe Memorial Day on the 30th day of May that same year. They gathered together and placed an assortment of flowers on the graves of the people who had served and died for the United States at the Arlington National Cemetery. Currently, United States citizens celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of the month of May.

Unfortunately, many people today do not place the same value on Memorial Day as when the holiday first came to be. Many of the graves of the people who have served and lost their lives for their country have been neglected or abandoned. The dead in service lack the respect that they deserve. As a matter of fact, many people celebrate Memorial Day in such a way that they honor any and every person that they know that has passed away. While this is nice to do, Memorial Day is supposed to honor those that have fallen in military service. The people who gave their lives in order that American citizens may have the lives they now lead and the freedoms they now have are the ones that should be honored and respected on Memorial Day.

In the year 2000, the United States government passed the National Moment of Remembrance. This act encourages Americans to observe an official moment of silence at 3:00pm in their time zone to remember and honor the men and women who have given their lives in service. Many people may pray silently, others will reflect, and many will listen to Taps. This observance gave Americans a renewed sense of honor when it comes to Memorial Day and honoring the dead in service.

Today, many people celebrate Memorial Day in a variety of ways. Many hold family picnics and cookouts, as well as celebrate by participating in or observing a parade. And many will place flowers on the graves of people who died in service. As long as the men and women who are dead in service are offered the respect that they deserve, the method of celebration is irrelevant.

This Memorial Day, remember to honor all of those men and women who fought and died in order that you as Americans may have the many freedoms and rights that you have. It is then that their service and life will be truly honored and remembered.