Memorial Day isn't just a day when businesses close

As a veteran myself, two sons currently serving and a family history full of veterans, I thought it appropriate to actually bring reference to this day and provide some clarity. 

Although in the United States Memorial Day unilaterally is a day to signify the start of summer, it is much, much, more than that. 

My first memories of Memorial Day date back the late 1960's in Simsbury Connecticut where the town virtually stopped on Memorial Day. Most families headed to downtown and gathered along route 10 (main road through town) and waited for the big Memorial Day parade to start. 

It virtually closed the town down for two hours so we could all support and wave small American flags cheering for the veterans who lead the parade down the street, trailed by the local police, fire trucks and other community members. When the parade was done, we went to the local downtown cemetery and walked trough seeing all the flags which were placed on the graves of fallen veterans.

Memorial Day has a long history

Memorial Day dates back to the early 1800's when it was first recognized as Decoration Day not as a celebration but to honor and place flowers on the graves of the war-dead, the fallen men and women who died fighting for our freedoms. 

According to history references, especially Military.com, we have secured the most accurate reflection of this day. Some early articles suggest that in 1865 it had begun along South Carolina when groups of wives and families decorated graves of the fallen but the most notable date is May 30 1868. May 30, 1868 is recognized as the first organized event at Arlington National Cemetery for what later became Memorial day. 

Records indicate that Civil War General John A Logan suggested the end of May be recognized for observance to the fallen.

Army General Logan asked and received the special day and it spread across the country, May 30th proclamation. 

Thanks to the writers and newspapers in 1919-1920 right after World War 1, the news of this great event/day spread across the country simultaneously growing to larger events, parades and gatherings for all who lost their lives serving in any war or conflict for this country. 

Memorial Day itself was said to have been formalized in 1966 by then President Lyndon B Johnson as "National Moment of Remembrance" but it wasn't until 1971 when it became an official federal holiday and changed from May thirty to the last Monday in May.

Remembering all fallen soldiers

Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, have a deep significance to Memorial Day.

In November of 1921, the remains of a US Army Soldier during World War 1, was brought back from France and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, and the spot is now known as the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". 

The tomb of the Unknown Soldier becomes the annual wreath laying ceremony on Memorial day at 11 a.m, and is a national observance event typically attended by the President of the United States and many US Government officials and cabinet members. 

They will and are flanked by members from all branches of the US Military, veterans and spectators from around the world.