Memorial Day is both a somber day to remember our fallen heroes and a day to celebrate the freedom they have provided to us. While many celebrate with trips to the beach and backyard barbecues, it is important to learn the history of Memorial Day and celebrate in a way that honors those that have served in our military.

“While the first commemorative Memorial Day events weren’t held in the United States until the late 19th century, the practice of honoring those who have fallen in battle dates back thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans held annual days of remembrance for loved ones (including soldiers) each year, festooning their graves with flowers and holding public festivals and feasts in their honor.”

“The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.”

“Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried. In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff.”

“In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. But Memorial Day didn't actually become an official federal holiday until 1971.”

“Memorial Day is commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

A few ways that you can celebrate this Memorial Day include:

• Visiting the home of a veteran
• Decorating graves at a local veteran’s cemetery
• Attending a Memorial Day parade
• Keeping your flag at half-mast until noon
• Participating in the National Moment of Remembrance
• Visiting a historical battlefield
• Donating to a veteran’s charity
• Visiting a veteran’s hospital

Some highly rated and reputable veteran charities include:

• The Gary Sinise Foundation
• Semper Fi Fund
• Special Operations Warrior Foundation
• Fisher House Foundation
• Freedom Service Dogs of America
• Air Warrior Courage Foundation
• Operation Second Chance
• Hope for the Warriors

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." – Elmer Davis