It has come to my attention that not many people know what Memorial Day really is. Since next Monday is Memorial Day it would only make sense for me to talk about what this day is actually about.

Of course, most people know that Memorial Day is a holiday that has to do with the military in some sense. There are sales everywhere and most people get the day off of work. On the last Monday of May, people get together to barbecue and hang out in the sun. Despite all the flags around town and on graves, many people miss the real meaning of Memorial Day. Before you can truly celebrate this holiday, it is nice to know the history.

During the springtime in the years following the Civil War, many Americans would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. In May of 1862, the first official “Decoration Day” was held. Five thousand people helped decorate twenty thousand graves at Arlington Cemetery. Although the north came together, the south continued to honor their fallen soldiers on a different day until after the end of the Civil War.

Although Decoration Day was originally created to honor only those who died fighting in the Civil War, during WWI the US realized they needed to honor fallen American soldiers from every war. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which established that federal holidays would be on Mondays to give a three day weekend to federal employees. Memorial finally became a federal holiday in 1971 and was set on the last Monday of May.

One misconception about Memorial Day is that we honor everyone in the military. However, that sounds more like Veterans Day. Memorial Day focuses on soldiers who died while out at war. This is why military graves are decorated with flags on Memorial Day; to honor and thank those men and women who gave their lives to fight for us and defend our country.

When you're out grilling and swimming on Monday, remember that it is a day about much more than just quality time. While it's great to spend time with family and friends and get a day off of work, think of those who can't and celebrate them.

So on this Memorial Day, and all to follow, be sure to honor those who have died fighting for our country. Pay attention to the flags that are everywhere and remember what they mean. These men and women make a huge sacrifice and we should be very thankful for them. The military does so much for us and we would not be so free without them. They serve to protect us and the Constitution, so be grateful for their sacrifice.