Memorial Day 2023: A Time to Remember and Honor
Origins of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, initially known as Decoration Day, began as a day to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. In 1868, General John A. Logan, the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans organization, designated May 30th as a day to decorate the graves of deceased soldiers.
National Holiday
By the late 1800s, Decoration Day had become a widely observed holiday. In 1971, Congress passed a law making Memorial Day a federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May each year. It is a day set aside to honor all American service members who died in the line of duty.
Remembering the Fallen
Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Whether it is visiting a military cemetery, attending a memorial service, or simply taking a moment of silence, there are countless ways to honor their memory.
Honoring the Living
In addition to remembering those who have died, Memorial Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting veterans and their families. Many organizations and businesses offer special discounts, services, and events to veterans on this day as a way to express their gratitude.
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