From sea to shining sea, Americans have much to be grateful for in the land of the free. As Americans, we have the opportunity to live in a nation founded upon the ideals of life, liberty, and equality for all of mankind. And while America has not always lived up to these ideals, the very notion of a nation where all men are created equal has inspired countless men and women to fight on behalf of our nation’s soul. Each year, Memorial Day offers us an important opportunity to acknowledge and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our country. Today, let’s take a look back at the history of Memorial Day to gain a better understanding of why we observe this meaningful holiday.

Memorial Day is commemorated each year on the last Monday in May in order to commemorate the deceased men and women of the United States Military. The first Memorial Day was held on May 30th 1868, as a means of honoring the deceased troops of the Northern Civil War veterans in the wake of the war. On this day, individuals were encouraged to strewn the graves of soldiers with flowers and other decorations to honor their sacrifice and courage throughout the fight. On the first Decoration Day, records suggest that up to 5,000 individuals participated in decorating the graves of over 20,000 soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, located just outside of Washington DC. This tradition took hold throughout the North, eventually inspiring Decoration Day acknowledgements all throughout the region. 

While divisions between the North and South impacted how Decoration Day was celebrated in regions throughout the nation in the late 19th and early 20th century, the dawn of World War I represented a fundamental paradigm shift in how this nation approached this solemn holiday. Throughout the 20th century, the United States found itself involved in a number of conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, etc. which fundamentally shifted the way this holiday was acknowledged. As the 20th century evolved, there was a marked shift from regional celebrations to a more cohesive, nationwide observance. A humbling opportunity for the nation to come together, Memorial Day undoubtedly inspires a profound appreciation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Both here in the Garden State and all throughout the nation, communities have adopted a number of traditions to commemorate this important day. For example, parades are held nationwide on Memorial Day, the most famous of whom take place in major cities like New York and Washington DC. Memorial Day also offers observers the opportunity to pay their respects to fallen soldiers, with many opting to spend the day visiting memorials, cemeteries, or other important wartime sites. One of the most famous commemorations of Memorial Day occurs at the Arlington National Cemetery, where an American flag is laid on the grave of each interned soldier. The President or Vice President of the United States also traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the ceremony. 

Far more than just the “unofficial start of Summer”, Memorial Day is a vital opportunity to show our respect and gratitude for the fallen service members of the United States military. No matter how your family chooses to observe this important day, may we all take a moment to share our thanks for those who fought on behalf of our freedoms.

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