The meaning behind Memorial Day.
For many Memorial weekend is just another long weekend and the unofficial summer kickoff. However, the history of Memorial Day stems from more than just barbecues and a beach day. Memorial Day is a date reserved to memorialize and honor U.S. soldiers that lost their lives serving our country.
Celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is celebrated across the country with parades and ceremonies. Originally, this date of remembrance was not called Memorial Day but rather ‘Decoration Day’. Its original purpose came about after the American Civil war when people would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.
After World War I, the name was officially changed to Memorial Day to cover all U.S. wars in which soldiers have lost their lives. Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971 so for many it’s a day off from work. We hope everyone had a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!
