The History of Memorial Day

As you are enjoying your day off this Memorial Day holiday, you may be wondering about the history of Memorial Day. Memorial Day officially became a holiday on May 5, 1868, as proclaimed by General John Logan. However, the holiday also began to be observed on the 30th of May by other groups of U.S. citizens during that same year, and has since evolved to be celebrated on the last Monday in May each year. In addition to the national holiday, in the year 2000, the U.S. government enacted the National Moment of Remembrance, which observes an official moment of silence at 3 p.m. in each of the U.S. time zones for prayer and reflection. You may be planning to celebrate Memorial Day outdoors at a picnic, barbeque, the beach, or at a party, enjoying time with your friends and family; however, let's not forget the real reason this day is a holiday, and take a few moments at 3 p.m. in the midst of your celebrations to remember those who have fallen in defense of the freedoms you are enjoying as a citizen of the United States. And if you see a veteran, be sure to thank him or her!