Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May remembering and honoring the men and women who died serving in the U.S. military in all American wars. Originally called Decoration Day, the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen was traditionally commemorated by decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags following the Civil War. The earliest gathering was May 1, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina organized by freed slaves to pay tribute and give proper burial to Union troops who died from disease and exposure in a makeshift prison camp on the grounds of the Washington Race Course and Jockey Club. The first national commemoration was held May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the ultimate sacrifice of Civil War soldiers. In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. Several states followed suit as more cities and communities held observances. After WWI it became a day to honor all U.S. military members lost in service. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day would be held on the last Monday in May. Take a moment on Monday, May 26 to pause at 3PM for a minute of silence and reflection. (fb)

(fb)