Memorial Day -Honoring those who made the pursuit of happiness possible for all of us.

Today is a special day for me, not only is it Memorial Day, it is also my wife’s birthday, my sister’s birthday, and my sister in law's birthday. I have a wonderful life, rich with amazing memories.

It’s easy to take for granted the lives we enjoy. Today, I am thankful to all those who have given their lives to making the world better than they found it.

The History of Memorial Day:

Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving their country. Here’s a brief overview of its history:

Origins:

Post-Civil War - Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War (1861–1865), which resulted in more deaths than any other conflict in U.S. history. Communities began holding springtime tributes to fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers, which is why it was originally called Decoration Day.

First Official Observance - On May 30, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic declared the first national Decoration Day. The date was selected because it did not commemorate a specific battle. Ceremonies were held at Arlington National Cemetery, where flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Expansion and Recognition:

As the United States became involved in more conflicts, such as World War I and World War II, Memorial Day evolved to honor all American military personnel who died in service, not just those from the Civil War.

Name Change - The term "Memorial Day" became more widely used after World War II and was officially designated as the holiday’s name by federal law in 1967.

Uniform Monday Holiday Act - In 1971, Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May, ensuring a three-day weekend for Americans.

Modern Observances:

Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials, holding parades, and participating in moments of silence. At 3 p.m. local time, a National Moment of Remembrance is observed, allowing everyone to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members.

Fun Fact:

The holiday also unofficially marks the beginning of summer in the United States.