Memorial Day: Recognized for Honor

Memorial Day, formally known as Decoration Day, is a time to remember loved ones who died while serving our country. General John Logan, the nationalist commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, made the day official on May 5, 1868. All northern states recognized Memorial Day, beginning with New York, but it wasn't until after WWI that the southern states recognized it along with the north. They chose other days to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War until Memorial Day came to be recognized as a day to remember all those who served in wartime. It became a national holiday in 1971 and is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. Some southern states have additional days to honor Confederate soldiers.

Memorial Day has since changed from recognized honor for the fallen soldiers who have died, to honoring all who have died--from Uncle Charlie to Cousin Fred. Honoring the dead is always a responsible and healthy way for the living to continue, but Memorial Day is truly reserved for those who served our nation in wartime. Memorial Day parades have waned, yet some cities are bringing them back, like our nation's capital. The parade should be a reminder to celebrate, to mourn, but most of all to honor. Groups are designated to place flags at each of the grave stones at ArlingtonNationalCemetery. The cemetery is then patrolled the weekend of Memorial Day to make sure the flags remain--a proper recognition of honor. A National Moment of Remembrance was passed in December 2000 to remind Americans to observe a moment of respect and honor for those who have served our country.

For many of us, Memorial Day is simply a time to cook outdoors, place flowers on graves of family members who have passed, and recognize the end of a season. This year, let us all reserve Memorial Day for our own families, but also for our Family of Soldiers who have died in our current time of war. Honor Memorial Day by recognizing them and holding true to its real meaning.