Tag: Memorial Day

As we observe Memorial Day 2026, let’s pause for a moment and reflect on the reasons why Americans recognize this day for our fallen heroes. Continue reading “Observing Memorial Day 2026”

As we observe Memorial Day 2025, let’s pause for a moment and reflect on the reasons why Americans recognize this day for our fallen heroes. Continue reading “Observing Memorial Day 2025”

Taking a moment to remember why we celebrate this day as a nation. It’s not “National BBQ Day,” you know. 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. 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.

Wishing everyone a great holiday weekend, and I hope that folks take some time out to remember why we celebrate this day as a nation. It’s not “National BBQ Day,” you know. 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. 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.