Memorial Day 2011 - We Remember!

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday and is observed on the last Monday in the month of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates all U.S. soldiers who have died while in the military service.  It was first enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. It was later extended after World War I to honor all Americans who have died in wars.

Many Americans observe this day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place every year in our nation’s capital as well as around the country in homes and small towns. Another tradition is to fly the United States flag at half-staff from dawn until noon.

This holiday began as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the civil war and by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, and later the average American  began  visiting the graves of the deceased soldiers,  whether they had served in the military or not. Through the years It has also become a long weekend devoted to family get-togethers, Shopping for special sales and fireworks, and even encourages trips to the beach and kick starts summer vacation.

While we celebrate this day in remembrance of America’s war dead, let us never forget the great cost and sacrifice that has been made in the lives of our fallen men, woman and their families, as we remember their contributions for our freedom!

Loving you and being thankful for the freedom to tell you that I do!

Bren