05/25/2026
Shortly after the Civil War, what is now Memorial Day began as Decoration Day. Americans, North and South, would decorate the graves of soldiers who died in the Civil War.
Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, who lead a group for Northen Civil War veterans, declared in 1868 that Decoration Day would be observed on May 30. It was chosen because it didn't coincide with any battles fought. After World War I it was broadened to include service members who died in all of the country's wars.In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May. Most people look at the Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer and furniture and car sales. It is a day to remember the fallen man and woman of the military that have gone before us.
Like most holidays in the U.S., it has been turned into just a weekend for people to try and make money. Please take the time to think about the fallen, and their families that have as President Lincoln said: "Laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom." We truly are lucky to live in a country, where "the pursuit of happiness" is a guaranteed right. You are never asked to do anything for it other than maybe jury duty. But some people chose to serve for whatever reason and some die because they choose to serve.
There are a some small things you can do. One is if you fly an America flag lower it to half staff until noon. Then at noon raise it all the way up until sunset. Second, in the year 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance was passed in Congress this says at 3pm local time take a moment in your own way to remember the fallen.
Memorial Day is not Veterans Day. I have heard so many people say, "oh this weekend, we should really thank a veteran." This isn't for us it is for the people that never came home and their families. Lastly please do not say "Happy Memorial Day "This is a little thing but it's like saying happy funeral day. So, if you feel like "Happy Memorial Day" isn't appropriate, try saying, "I hope you have a nice/good Memorial Day,". Never forget that for some people every day is Memorial Day.
Mission K9 Warrior
