Memorial Day is synonymous with long weekends, parades, barbecues, the Indianapolis 500 and the unofficial beginning of summer.   It is most importantly, the day we as a nation remember all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

DECORATION DAY

The Civil War, a war which claimed more American lives than any other war, concluded in 1865.  Several years later, on May 30, 1868, Decoration Day, as Memorial Day was originally called, was first celebrated.  On that date, the graves sites of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery were decorated to honor those who had died fighting in the Civil War. 

“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens.  For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue” - James A Garfield, May 30, 1868, Arlington National Cemetery

At the conclusion of World War I, Memorial Day evolved to honor our country’s military personnel who died in all wars.  Memorial Day continued to evolve and become a day to visit grave sites and war memorials, and for our nation to unite in prayer for peace. 

NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE

This Memorial Day remember those who stood as patriots to defend and protect our country.  Proudly fly our country’s flag.  Pray for peace.   And, at 3 p.m. (local time) pause for one minute for our National Moment of Remembrance.

Wishing you and your family a safe and blessed Memorial Day.