In the years following the Civil War, Memorial Day was known and celebrated as Decoration Day; Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971.
We continue the observance of Memorial Day on this last Monday in May; we pause for a few moments to honor the brave men and women who walked fiercely into battle giving their lives for the citizens of the United States of America.
Memorial Day, albeit the unofficial beginning of summer, provides an extraordinary opportunity to take pause, to give thanks, to remember and to honor the service of each and every member of the U.S. military who lost their lives protecting our freedoms.
These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coasties and Guardians, members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force, gave everything for you and me – their honor, their bravery and the ultimate sacrifice – their lives.
As many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, hold family gatherings and participate in parades, today may we stand together as a community – many of us wearing our red poppy of remembrance of those fallen in war – and express our unyielding gratitude and thanks for each and every man and woman who lost their lives fighting for this great Nation.
We pause, we remember…
One for honor…
One for duty…
One for service…
God bless those who lost their lives serving this great Nation, and God bless the United States of America.
Adele Josephine 