Memorial Day

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

As Americans we look at memorial day as a time to reflect on the past wars and the people who stood with courage to fight those wars.

What does memorial day mean for you?

What do people do for Memorial Day in America?

It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis’ Birthday in Mississippi.

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year.

[MY MEMORIAL OF THE MILITARY]

Memorial day is good time for me to reflect in my service to the US. As a young man I joined the army, didn’t really know what I was getting into but it allowed me to learn and travel and meet many new people. It was a great time in my life and I hold that time with pride and dignity. If you have ever served in the armed forces I am sure you feel the same way. It was a pleasure and honor to serve. I have seen some tragedy not in war, but in others who had been in the war.

A Marine SGT. Strube who had fought in Viet Nam as a Marine. I was attached to a group for the reserves. I always would ask questions but as a tunnel rat he would give little to few answers, I guess he didnt want to go back there in his mind. Strube, always told me that I wanted to be a Marine. He was right … I did want to but I left that there just like he left the thoughts of being a tunnel rat back where it belonged in the past.

I really can’t say that I would want any of my children to serve but I guess that’s for another time. I hope anyone reading this has a great weekend and I hope we never forget those that have fallen who have helped us stand.

I salute you all … Thank you for giving your freedoms so that we may have ours.

The Days Memorial day will be observed for the next 40 years