What To Know About Memorial Day

Posted: May 2021 / Updated: April 2024

For many people, Memorial Day is seen as a day off from work. An opportunity to enjoy a long weekend or a fun celebration to kick off summer. That was me for many years until I married a combat Marine Corps veteran.

Memorial Day, now, has a whole new meaning for me and my family. When you live with someone who’s lost people they have known in the military, there is no mistake about how significant the day is.

History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal and public holiday. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. On May 5th, 1868, General John A. Logan was the first to proclaim that there be a day to honor the soldiers who died during the American Civil War. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land”.

Are Memorial Day and Veterans Day different?

The difference between the two days is Veterans Day is a day that is set aside to recognize all US service personnel from all wars- living or dead. Memorial Day is a reserved day set aside to honor and pay respects to all the military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice and died while serving our country.

Is it OK to say Happy Memorial Day

I’m not a fan of the saying, “Happy Memorial Day”. It’s a day to remember those who have died serving our country. A reminder of the selfless sacrifice that so many men and women have made. Their families losing their loved ones and are mourning. They live with a void in their heart. Happy isn’t the first word that pops in my head. That’s just me and my own opinion.

Do you say thank you on Memorial Day

Thanking a veteran is a kind thing to do but Memorial Day is not a day for Veterans. It’s a day for their fallen brothers and sisters. Memorial Day is specifically to honor those who died while serving in the military.

Please remember that this “holiday” is about the men and women who died while serving our country. It’s about the men and women who freely took on a role that they may never come back home to see their loved ones again. Memorial Day is a day of reflection. Never forgotten souls.