Public Advocate and our Nation Observes Memorial Day 2025
On
Memorial
Day,
the
President
of
the
United
States
has
traditionally
laid
a
wreath
at
the
Tomb
of
the
Unknowns
at
Arlington
National
Cemetery.
Carved
on
the
tomb's
marble
face
is
the
epitaph,
"Here
rests
in
honored
glory
an
American
soldier
known
but
to
God."
Throughout
history,
Americans
have
not
been
eager
to
go
to
war.
The
overwhelming
majority
of
those
who
have
fought
for
America
have
been
civilians,
not
career
military.
"Our
fallen
warriors
gave
their
last
breath
for
our
country
and
our
freedom,"
said
President
Donald
Trump
in
an
Memorial
Day
message
in
May
2020.
"Today,
let
us
pause
in
quiet
reverence
to
reflect
on
the
incredible
dedication
of
these
valiant
men
and
women
and
their
families,
invoking
Divine
Providence
as
we
continue
pursuing
our
noble
goal
of
lasting
peace
for
the
world."
The Origins of Memorial Day
The memorial day meaning can be traced back to the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more lives than any other American war. In 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic, called for a nationwide day of remembrance to honor the fallen soldiers. This day was initially known as Decoration Day, a time when families would decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers and flags.
The First Observance
The first official observance of Decoration Day took place on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery. Thousands gathered to pay their respects, laying flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate Memorial Day soldiers alike. This act of unity was a powerful statement in a nation still healing from the wounds of civil strife.
Over the years, the observance spread to various states, with different communities holding their own ceremonies. The day became a time for reflection and remembrance, allowing families to connect with their heritage and honor those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. In many towns, local veterans' organizations took the lead in organizing parades and remembrance Memorial Day services, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. These events often included speeches, music, and the reading of the names of the deceased, transforming Decoration Day into a deeply emotional occasion that resonated with all who attended.
Transition to Memorial Day
In 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, shifting its observance to the last Monday in May. This change aimed to provide a three-day weekend for Americans, allowing more people to participate in remembrance activities. The name "Memorial Day" gradually replaced "Decoration Day," reflecting a broader commitment to honoring all fallen soldiers, not just those from the Civil War.
As the years progressed, Memorial Day evolved into a day not only of remembrance but also of celebration of freedom and the values that the fallen soldiers fought to protect. Many Americans began to associate the holiday with the unofficial start of summer, leading to family gatherings, barbecues, and outdoor activities. However, amidst the festivities, the solemn purpose of the day remains at the forefront of national consciousness, with many communities continuing to hold parades, memorial services, and moments of silence to honor those who have served. The juxtaposition of joy and solemnity on this day serves as a poignant reminder of what does Memorial Day celebrate-the sacrifices made for the freedoms enjoyed today.