Memorial Day Weekend

While scrolling through Twitter I noticed that many people have Memorial Day and Veterans Day confused.

Memorial Day honors people who died in our nation’s wars; Veterans Day honors all veterans who have ever served in our armed forces.

I’ve been to Washington D.C. twice now. The first time we were there we visited Arlington and it was an experience I will never forget.

We visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and while we were there somewhere in the distance a service was being conducted and Taps began to play. It was the saddest, most mournful sound in the world.

We also visited the Vietnam Wall Memorial and running your fingers across the names of fallen soldiers is another unforgettable experience.

Celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is more somber than Veterans Day: it’s to remember of every person who gave his or her life in defense of the nation during its wars.

Memorial Day was started before Veterans Day. It was first celebrated in 1868 and it was called Decoration Day-a day to celebrate and remember Union soldiers who died during the Civil War.

Decoration Day expanded after WWII to honor all those who gave their lives in any war. The name of the holiday was officially changed in 1967.

Memorial Day Weekend is the beginning of summer. Kids are getting out of school and the barbecue grills are being fired up for celebrations. There’s nothing wrong with that but take a moment to remember those who sacrificed so that we can enjoy our freedoms.

On This Memorial Day

© Emily Toma

Published: June 2014

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/on-this-memorial-day

FYI- I asked my 4 year old grandson and 5 year old granddaughter what they thought Memorial Day was and they weren’t sure but they thought it had something to do with presents. In a way they are right. Someone gave up their life for the gift of freedom, and what an awesome gift it is.