Memorial Day: More than a trip to the beach

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 913th Airlift Group
Little Rock AFB, Ark. --  For most people, Memorial Day is the three day weekend that officially kicks off the summer season. But, it is much more than that.

The Civil War is America's bloodiest chapter, with more than 600,000 soldiers killed in action.

As the war came to an end, Northerners and Southerners began placing flowers on the graves of soldiers.

On May 5, 1866, in the town of Waterloo N.Y., citizen's closed shops and businesses so everyone could decorate the graves of those killed during the war with flags and flowers. The town is officially credited with starting the holiday.

Maj. Gen. John A Logan, the leader of a Union Veterans Association, led an effort to unite all the decoration services into one national holiday, designating May 30, as Decoration Day.

On the first National Decoration Day, 1868, more than 5,000 mourners gathered at Arlington National Cemetery. They placed flowers and ribbons on the 20,000 graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers.

Decoration Day grew throughout the 19th Century. By the end of the century, the holiday was renamed Memorial Day.

World War I ushered in the age of modern warfare. America lost over 100,000 servicemembers in the global conflict. When the war ended, May 30, became a day to honor all of American military members who died in battle, as far back as the Revolutionary War.

Memorial Day was declared the official name in 1967, and in 1971 Congress declared Memorial Day will be observed on the last Monday in May, thus creating a three day weekend for federal employees.

Let us never lose focus on what Memorial Day is, America's most solemn holiday. A day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending their nation. Remember also, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who share in their sacrifice.

Sources: History.com