Every year it happens, Memorial Day occurs and a large group of us forget what it’s supposed to mean.
Let’s first go over the things it is NOT.
- It is not Armed Forces Day, the day we celebrate all those who are currently or have been apart of arm military Just so you know, armed forces day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday in May.
- It is not Labor Day, the day we celebrate the working man and woman
So what is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is the time we remember those who have given all for our country. Those who died jn the line of service.
That isn’t to mean that we don’t appreciate and love those who have and currently do serve in our military. As I pointed out above, there is actually a day dedicated to our current, active and retired military veterans.
Memorial Day began May 30th 1868 to commemorate those lost in the Civil War, but it was originally called Decoration Day. While Memorial Day was begun on May 30th 1868, one of the first Memorial Day celebrations happened on May 1st 1865 in Charleston South Carolina. It was also celebrated by 1000 free slaves with the US Colored Troops.
Throughout our lifetime we have always taken for granted that the “unofficial beginning of summer” happens with Memorial Day, on last Day of May. What many of us, either didn’t know, or take for granted is that Memorial Day hasn’t always been an official holiday recognized by the Federal Government. That has only been the case since 1971. So this year has a little bit more of a special tone as Memorial Dayis celebrating its 50th year as an official holiday.
Before World War I, Memorial Day only memorialized those killed in the Civil War. After Vietnam began and 1971 arrived, Memorial Day included ALL of those who were fallen in the line of service. This is why Congress passed a federal proximation and holiday to establish Memorial Day to include all who were killed in the line of duty and make it a federal holiday.
Though this day is dedicated to those who have gone before us, Memorial Day was even given a more specific tone in 2000 when Congress gave Memorial Day a resolution to include a Moment of Remembrance. It is now encouraged at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day that we take a moment of reflection and silence. You will find that Amtrak trains will blow their horns, no matter where they are, at 3:00 p.m. and MLB will take a time out for a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m.
So while you are cooking up those burgers and dogs this Monday it has a more special meaning than “the unofficial beginning of summer”.