May is a special month for many reasons, such as Mother’s Day, the end of the school year, warm weather, and most importantly, for Memorial Day. Memorial Day is celebrated by some Americans for the wrong reasons. Memorial Day is celebrated as the official beginning of summer, and it is celebrated by the opening of public pools, citizens hosting barbecues, and throwing picnics. While these activities are awesome and loads of fun, it seems like the real reason for Memorial Day is being forgotten. Let’s not forget the reason and history behind this holiday.
Memorial Day is an American holiday that honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The observance of this holiday dates back to the years following the Civil War. During this time, the Civil War claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history. Due to the large amount of fatalities, national cemeteries had to be established. In the years following the war, Americans began to hold ceremonies for the fallen soldiers and citizens decorated their graves with flowers and American flags.
Before the holiday was named Memorial Day, it was called Decoration Day because citizens decorated the graves of the soldiers. In 1862, General John A. Logan announced that Decoration Day was to be celebrated nationwide on May 30th because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle. For years, citizens of towns and cities decorated and commemorated those who died in battle. By 1890, each state had made Decoration Day an official holiday.
Decoration Day was originally a holiday that honored those lost fighting in the Civil War. Unfortunately, World War I took a large amount of lives and a huge toll on the United States as well. The U.S. changed the name to Memorial Day to honor all who died while fighting in the American military. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday, and is celebrated on the last Monday of May. Even today, Americans still honor all who have lost their lives fighting for our country throughout U.S. history.
To remember and honor these brave men and women, Americans celebrate by hosting Memorial Day parades which incorporate veterans. Citizens also celebrate by decorating and visiting cemeteries and memorials. While the end of May certainly does mean that summer is on its way, don’t forget to remember what the day is actually about. Show our military personnel, past and present, how much they mean to our country. Pay your respects and honor these men and women on Memorial Day.
