Memorial Day

A day of remembrance and honor for those who have died in our Nation’s service. 

Photo from when Brian and I went to France (2008) and visited the American Cemetary in Normandy

Brian and I at Omaha Beach

Point du Hoc, France

Lies between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, where the 2nd Ranger Battalion led by Lt Col James Earl Rudder scaled this cliff to attack German forces on D-Day.



Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day—a day when the graves of Civil War soldiers were cleaned and decorated. General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic first observed the holiday in 1868 when he declared, “the 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of… decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.”

The 1868 celebration was inspired by previous observances of the day in towns across America. Several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. In 1966, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

After World War I, the red poppy became synonymous with Memorial Day. All over the world, people wear poppies or place them on graves to honor soldiers who died serving their nation during war.

In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday of every May.

Most Americans are familiar with the major wars—Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—but few think of those killed in "minor" conflicts.  Examples of the lesser-known actions range from the Franco-American Naval War (1798-1800) to the tragedy of the USS Cole.

No American death is too insignificant to remember when that life was lost in the service of one’s country.

(Facts provided by this website)

Please never forget those who have so selflessly gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Without them we wouldn't be able to say "We Are Proud To Be American!"