COMMEMORATE: Memorial Day 2013

This uniquely American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many of us will observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, participating in parades and unofficially kicking off summer.

To remind us all of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” occurs each year at 3 p.m. local time. All Americans are asked to “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence.”

So in the midst of all the fun and festivities, don’t forget to thank those who are presently serving our country and also stop and take a moment to remember those who lost their lives protecting us and our freedom.

God Bless America, land that we love!