Americans are celebrating this day initially observed as Decoration Day honoring fallen soldiers. Citizens wave flags, attend parades, ring bells and hold family BBQs. Most importantly Americans will visit cemeteries to place flags, flowers or wreaths on the graves of soldiers who have died defending our country.
The roots of this day trace back to the end of the Civil War in 1865. 1868 was when the first national observance of Decoration Day occurred. After World War 1 the holiday officially became Memorial Day. We should observe this day for all soldiers from the American Revolutionary War in 1775 and the Civil War in 1861 and beyond.
As you see flags at Arlington National Cemetery, or in a country cemetery tucked away down a back rural road or a private family burial ground…think of those flags standing for freedom. Freedom, these brave soldiers fought for us. Their commitment is the cornerstone of our democracy.
Over the years how we remember and honor these soldiers has changed. What should never change is our commitment to their sacrifice for our democracy. We owe it to those who served as well as those protecting us on this day.