Posted on by Randy Slovacek

Observing Memorial Day 2023

Memorial Day 2022
(photo: Justin Casey/Unsplash)

As we observe Memorial Day 2023, take a moment and reflect on the reasons why Americans recognize this day for our fallen heroes.

Think of those we’ve lost who stood up for, and made possible, our freedoms and liberty here in the U.S.

A few facts about Memorial Day:

• Originally known as Decoration Day, the observance began in the years following the Civil War honoring those who fell during that conflict.

• During World War I, the tradition expanded into a day of remembering all men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

• In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be held on the last Monday in May. The law went into effect in 1971.

• Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

• Memorial Day typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

• Memorial Day has a different focus than Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day of remembering those who perished while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

• The average age of fallen U.S. soldiers is 26½.

Related: The First Memorial Day

The New York Times reports that Arlington National Cemetery is running out of room and may need to consider new rules that may turn away eligible soldiers.

So, as you spend time with friends and loved ones on Memorial Day 2023, remember the heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation and the families they left behind.