Photo Courtesy: MemorialDay.org

By K.P. Sander

On Mon., May 25, we celebrate Memorial Day – the federal holiday dedicated to the memory of those individuals who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Observed annually on the last Monday in May, the holiday originated after the Civil War in an effort to commemorate all the soldiers – Union and Confederate (over 600,000 in all) – who gave their lives for a better country.  It was originally called Decoration Day, bestowing military graves with flowers and flags

Now, of course, Memorial Day honors all of those who have given their all in military service.  It is a day of visiting cemeteries and memorials, displaying American flags, and giving thanks for the strength and courage of those who died for our freedom.

According to Wikipedia, historians in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania claim that local women decorated soldiers’ graves on July 4, 1864, and they promote themselves as the birthplace of Memorial Day.  Many other cities have done the same.  On May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation naming Waterloo, New York, as the originator.  Where the holiday began is not as important as never forgetting who it is for.

This Monday, take a moment to remember all those who paid the ultimate price for America and the freedom we hold so dear.