Memorial Day:  History and Today

For families who have lost loved ones, it is not a happy day, nor a day intended to be celebrated in the traditional sense of that word.

If you think, “I have said this, but it wasn’t my intent to be disrespectful,” then we encourage you to take a moment to learn why the holiday exists and how you might recognize it.

Deemed initially “Decoration Day” to recognize the soldiers lost during the Civil War, the day gradually expanded to memorialize all those who have given their lives throughout the long history of war in the US.

The holiday was officially recognized in 1971, and now, 40 years later, Memorial Day continues to be a distinguished day to remember the military personnel we lost.

In 1865, The first known observance of Memorial Day occurred in Charleston, South Carolina. This happened when a group of newly freed slaves gathered to honor the Union soldiers who had died as prisoners of war in a local racetrack.

The group decorated the soldiers’ graves with flowers and held a ceremony to pay their respects.

For families who have lost loved ones, it is not a happy day, nor a day intended to be celebrated in the traditional sense of that word.

If you think, “I have said this, but it wasn’t my intent to be disrespectful,” then we encourage you to take a moment to learn why the holiday exists and how you might recognize it.

The meaning of Memorial Day is deeply personal. It is a day to mourn a dear grandparent, parent, spouse, child, or friend who died in service to our nation.

After World War I, Decoration Day was expanded to honor all Americans who died while serving in the military.

If you are struggling with the proper thing to say as Monday approaches, here are three alternatives:

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated across the United States with parades, speeches, and ceremonies honoring those who sacrificed for their country.

Americans also visit cemeteries or memorials to pay their respects and decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags.

Each year remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Seek ways to honor our nation’s heroes who died in service to our great country.

Plan a visit to a military cemetery or war memorial, attend local activities hosted by local veteran groups, or take a moment to learn more about those who serve our nation.

Talk to your neighbors about how they plan to commemorate the holiday or speak with your children about the reason we, as a nation, set aside one day each year to remember those who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms.

Never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by our fallen heroes and their families.

To those who have felt this loss, MileStone Academy would like to extend our sincere condolences to you and gratitude for your loved one.

Thank you for reading!