The History and Importance of Memorial Day

For many people, the last Monday of May is marked with bargain sales, outdoor activities, and cookouts with the grill.

However, Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a profound American tradition, a time of reflection and remembrance for those who have died in service to the United States.

It is observed on the last Monday of May, offering a solemn counterpoint to the start of summer celebrations, marking a moment for the nation to acknowledge the sacrifice made by its military members.

The origins of Memorial Day trace back to the Civil War, one of the most lethal conflicts in American history.

The tradition began in the years following the war's end in 1865, as communities spontaneously commemorated the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and flags.

The first widely publicized event was held on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance.

Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed annually by decorating the graves of war dead with flowers.

The date was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle, representing a neutral time for commemoration. This gesture of decorating graves soon spread across the country, with varying local customs and dates.

Over time, Decoration Day evolved into Memorial Day, and its scope widened to honor all American military personnel who died in all wars.

In 1971, the U.S. Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971, establishing Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May, creating a three-day weekend.

Memorial Day is marked by traditions steeped in respect and honor:

• Visiting cemeteries and memorials: Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to place flowers, wreaths, and flags on the graves of fallen soldiers.
• Flying the U.S. flag: On Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
• Moment of remembrance: A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.
• Parades: Many towns and cities hold Memorial Day parades, featuring military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations.

In the past, Memorial Day for me was somewhat unpredictable—sometimes a workday on patrol, other times an off day signaling the start of the summer fun season.

When off duty, the day marked the first chance to take the boat out on the lake.

It involved BBQ, grilling cheeseburgers and hot dogs, serving up potato salad, and relaxing with a cooler of beer.

My wife, the "family CFO," would scan the "Memorial Day Sale!" ads, looking for the best deals, as it seemed we were always on the brink of a large-scale home renovation project around this time of year and she was watching the budget closely.

I'll be the first to admit I fully embraced the day off, usually blessed with beautiful weather, to enjoy and unwind.

However, my perspective on Memorial Day shifted profoundly one year when I was found scheduled to work.

I served as a supervisor at a precinct, which included a National Veteran's Cemetery.

As dusk approached, I took a slow drive through the cemetery, intending to offer a small gesture in some way of respect to the men and women interred there.

It was later in the day, after the official ceremonies had ended, and only a few people remained in the cemetery, quietly honoring their loved ones.

Every gravesite was adorned with an American flag, casting long shadows in the day's fading light. It was a sight to behold and prompted me to pause and deeply reflect on the day's true meaning.

Memorial Day serves a dual purpose: it is both a day of remembrance and a call to unity.

It reminds the public of their fellow countrymen and women's sacrifices, providing an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be American and the costs of the freedoms enjoyed today.

Memorial Day is not just a date on the calendar with a day off of work but a crucial part of the American cultural and patriotic landscape.

It is a day to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. By upholding the traditions of Memorial Day, we ensure that the memories of those who have gone before us remain vibrant and that the value of their sacrifice is never forgotten.

As we enjoy the freedoms and opportunities afforded by their service, taking a moment to remember and honor these individuals is the least we can do in return.

I am proud to be part of Ammunition Depot, a company that deeply respects the significance of Memorial Day.

Out of reverence for this solemn day, you won't find splashy "MEMORIAL DAY SALE!" advertisements from us.

We consciously choose not to commercialize the memory of our nation’s finest men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. By enjoying the day with cookouts, friends, and family and reflecting on the true meaning of Memorial Day, we honor and appreciate the sacrifices that allow us these freedoms.