This Monday is Memorial Day, and for most of us that means it is almost summer time! However, Memorial Day has a much bigger purpose than to remind us it is almost summer and to let people have a Monday off of work.
Memorial Day is a day to remember all of those who have lost their lives while fighting for our country in active Military service. Memorial Day is held on the last Monday of May every year and is commonly known as “Memorial Day Weekend”.
Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day”. This became popular after the Civil War, and became a national holiday in 1971. Many people gather together to celebrate this day and remember those who have died in the line of duty.
It is unclear where this day originated, as many different communities had practices independently to honor the fallen men and women. By the late 1860s, these communities had begun to hold memorial gatherings. Waterloo, New York has been named the official town where this day began.
Waterloo was chosen because starting in 1866 they held big community wide gatherings that resembled what Memorial Day looks like today with businesses being closed and people decorating the graves of lost veterans.
Although this is an American holiday, people have been observing similar practices for centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans also held days of remembrance for their loved ones, having festivals and decorating graves.
Memorial Day is a great time to teach our kids the importance of standing for what we believe in and letting them know what it looks like to remember and honor those who have so bravely fought for our freedom. It is so easy to become caught up in all that we do not have, sometimes we forget to be thankful for what we do have, and freedom as a country is a huge gift that we have. Take some time this weekend and discuss with your family what you are thankful for, and how you can honor those who have helped you get to where you are.
Thank you, History.com for helpful information about Memorial Day and it’s beginnings!