Memorial Day got its start as Decoration Day after the Civil War. Some of its origins are unclear as many communities celebrated it, however, it was created to decorate the graves of all the soldiers who died in the Civil War, both from the north and the south.
Later when it became Memorial Day, the country found itself with more fallen soldiers in World War I, so it became a day to remember all soldiers. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
Today Memorial Day is celebrated in many ways and still includes parades and trips to the cemetery. Be sure to fly your flag on Memorial Day to commemorate all those who gave their lives for this country
As always, our team honors and thank the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for protecting our nation as well as those who continue to preserve our freedoms today.
How does your family celebrate Memorial Day?
Tell us all about your Memorial Day traditions in the comments below!