Memorial Day means...

More than a 3 day weekend!  Memorial Day is coming up in just a couple of days and the weekend will be full of Memorial Day Celebrations, which is great, however, I don't want the actual meaning of the day to get lost in a whirlwind of pool parties, hot dogs and burgers on the grill. 

Originally Memorial Day was called Decoration Day - the tradition began on May 30, 1868 with decorating graves of Civil War soldiers with flowers, wreaths and flags. The name was changed to Memorial Day in 1950 calling on Americans to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer.  In 1971 President Nixon changed it to a National Holiday in order to honor the  men and women who died in all wars.

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Some of the ways to honor our Veterans include:

Putting flags or flowers on the graves of men and women who served in wars
Fly the U.S Flag at half-staff until noon
Visit monuments dedicated to soldiers, sailors and marines
Participate in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 pm local time
March in  / attend a parade

So thank you to our Veterans - those who served so bravely.  We thank the families of those who gave their lives for our country.  Thank you to our Veterans and our current men and women in all branches of the military - we thank you for the fact you are willing to lay down your lives for our country.  May you stay safe.

We honor these brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Your sacrifice was not in vain.