What is Memorial Day
Originally known as “Decoration Day” this federal holiday that is celebrated on the last Monday every May is a remembrance of all of those who have gone before us in America. It was originally celebrated on May 30th of every year, but was changed to the last Monday in the month of May with the passing of the Uniform Holidays Bill in 1968. The first known observance of the holiday was in Charleston, South Carolina on May 1st 1865. A group of freed slaves exhumed and re buried soldiers from the Union who had not been given a proper burial during the war. Afterwards they listened to speeches that were read, a children’s choir sang the national anthem, and picnics were held.
Today we remember all who have served and given their lives for the sake of protecting our freedom. While this Memorial Day weekend you will see plenty of parades with American flags waving high and floats with red, white, and blue bunting on them before heading off to a picnic or sitting down to watch the Indy 500 race, remember that the reason we get to enjoy these freedoms is because there are others who bravely gave their lives for us.