Memorial Day is just NOT another 3-Day Holiday

For most of us we will be spending the weekend with family and friends at the beach, at picnics, attending parades and celebrating the start of summer in observance of Memorial Day. Others will be watching one of the longest standing traditions, the Indy 500 race which is held in conjunction with Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is also known as Decoration Day, and is officially observed on May 30 to commemorate our fallen soldiers dating back to the Civil War.  What is important is that it was established.  Memorial Day is not about division.  It is about reconcilliation, it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Unfortunately, when Congress made Memorial Day into a mandatory 3 day weekend in with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all easier for us to be distracted from the spirit and real meaning of the day. We need to teach our children the day's meaning, show others by our actions that we will not forget.  You do not have to believe in war to honor your family, friends, and neighbors who died in service to their country.

In December 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act asking all Americans to pause for one minute of silence at 3:00 pm local time to remember our fallen soldiers and to promote a greater undertanding of the meaning of the Memorial Day holiday.

This weekend is the time to join others and observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials, flying the flag of the United States of America, and by sending an e-mail, or e-card to someone in the military whether active duty, or veteran.

Please take a moment this Memorial Day to solemnly reflect on the true meaning of the day, and to be mindful of the honor, duty, committment, faith and heroism as we are profoundly indebted to all the men and women of the Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Country.

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