Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Photo Credit: praline3001 via Compfight

While it’s not technically summer, Memorial Day weekend seems like the weekend that launches the summer season. Books that have been calling your name go to the top of the pile as homework dies down. Soon school will end and the long days of summer vacation will begin. However, Memorial Day weekend is more than just a long weekend of summer barbeques, camping trips and fun with family and friends.

 

Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, is a holiday to give tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives serving in the US armed forces. Originally it was known as Decoration Day, to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. Not to be confused with Veteran’s Day in November, Memorial Day is a day to stop and reflect on the women and men who have lost their lives while serving their country, 

It is a common tradition to decorate the graves of soldiers with American flags and fresh flowers. The President of the US also places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

 

I hope this weekend as you enjoy the days off from work and school, you will also remember the purpose of the day and pause to reflect on their sacrifice to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.