Memorial Day – What Does it Mean?
The Unofficial Start of the Summer Season
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer season. Local pools open and people get together at barbecues and parties to enjoy their three-day weekend. But is this all there is to Memorial Day? Not by a long shot.
What does it mean?
The last Monday in May is set aside to remember the American men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States military. The holiday began as a way to honor the soldiers who died during the American Civil War.
A Way to Honor Soldiers Who Died in the American Civil War
Immediately following the war, many towns in both Northern and Southern states held ceremonies to remember those they had lost. People would decorate the soldiers’ graves with flowers each spring, taking time to remember family members and friends who died in the conflict.
First National Observance of the Holiday – Decoration Day
In 1868, John A. Logan, Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed the first national observance of this holiday. Following this proclamation, the holiday was observed on May 30, 1868. This date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any Civil War battle. Decoration Day, later Memorial Day, continued to be celebrated on May 30 each year until 1971. Congress passed the National Holiday Act then and the holiday moved to the fourth Monday in May.
Expansion and Growth of the Holiday into Memorial Day
It started as a way to remember and honor soldiers who died during the Civil War. The holiday’s purpose expanded during World War I to include those who died serving in The Great War. Memorial Day has continued to grow until today we celebrate and honor all those who have died while serving in the U.S. military, whether in peace or war.
National Celebration of Memorial Day Now
As part of our national celebration of Memorial Day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (known as the “Old Guard”), place small American flags on the graves in Arlington National Cemetery each year. Then, either the President or Vice President of the United States places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Additionally, all Americans can participate in the National Moment of Remembrance. Passed in December 2000, this resolution asks that at three o’clock (local time) on Memorial Day, all Americans “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.”
Celebrating Memorial Day – What Does it Mean?
Many communities across the nation commemorate the holiday with special patriotic events on Memorial Day weekend. While lots of people take advantage of the extra day off work to host or attend parties with family and friends. Depending on the weather, some excited souls may even make time to hit the freshly opened pools.
Whether your plans include attending a special Memorial Day event, a party, or even a quiet afternoon sitting by the pool, your Westlark Advisors team hopes you have a very happy holiday. And we’d like to invite you to join us in taking a moment or two to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
Happy Memorial Day!
From your Westlark Advisors Team
Memorial Day – What Does it Mean?
By JD Buss
