Remembering Memorial Day

The colors red, white and blue, as well as the stars and stripes are all over the nation with the approach of Memorial Day. It is right around the corner and many people are excitedly looking forward to one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Memorial Day is typically thought of as the start of the summer season. However, there is a more meaningful reason behind this day.

Memorial Day: (From left) Ambassador Craig Stapleton, U.S. Ambassador to France, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Steve Hawkins, Director of the European Region of the American Battle Monuments Commission, Jeffrey Aarnio, Superintendent of Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, and Brig. Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith Jr., commanding general, 5th Signal Command, prepare to lay wreaths at the war memorial in Fere-en-Tardenois, France, during a Memorial Day ceremony May 25. (photo by LeAnne MacAllister, 5th Signal Command)

The last Monday in the month of May is Memorial Day, although in the past, this was held on various dates, including May 30 of each year. This is thanks to an act of Congress called the National Holiday Act of 1971, thereby creating a three-day weekend to end the month of May. It is a federal holiday in America, which means it is a non-working holiday.

Memorial Day is truly about the bravery of American soldiers throughout history and all over the world. The holiday traces its roots to the American Civil War. In the 19^th century, it was recognized as a day of remembrance of the fallen soldiers during the civil war. However, over the years, it has evolved to include all American soldiers in any part of the world.