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The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Memorial Day means different things to different people. Some Americans celebrate the day as a kickoff to summer. Members of the military and veterans reflect on the eternal bond with their brothers and sisters-in-arms. For Gold Star families, it is day to mourn their lost loved ones. For other Americans, it’s a day to adorn the graves of those lost in battle. It is a grateful nation that chooses to honor and give thanks to the brave who stood between tyranny and liberty.

Since the first Memorial Day, the purpose of the holiday was to eulogize the fallen, and to reaffirm the commitment to defend the Constitution. Honoring them isn’t to remember how they died for their country, but…

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Featured

 The facts behind Memorial Day's controversial history

No one is sure how the holiday started, and people debate how it should be celebrated, but it still honors those who lost their lives in service of their country.

 The Meaning of Memorial Day

I was born on Memorial Day, but it would take me 25 years to fully comprehend why this federal holiday exists.

 Why do we observe Memorial Day? Here's the true history of the holiday

No, Memorial Day isn't about a long weekend road trip, backyard barbecue or sales. The real meaning of the national holiday is much more somber.

Articles of Interest

Memorial Day: A Commemoration

Memorial Day, initially referred to as Decoration Day, was observed by many communities after the Civil War, when the nation suffered more than 620,000 military deaths, roughly 2 percent of the total population at the time. John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of Republic, chose May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of Union troops across the nation.

Resources

10 Things to Remember About Memorial Day

Memorial Day is much more than just a three-day weekend and a chance to get the year's first sunburn. It's a time to remember the people who sacrificed their lives for their country.