Officially proclaimed by General John Logan, Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, by placing flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.
After World War I the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war. Starting in 1971 it is celebrated across the country each year on the last Monday in May.
Many answer the call to serve their community and Country in various ways, but few of these jobs demand the sacrifice that can come with enlisting in the military or reserves. While no one wants to go to war and be killed and, while we all wish for a world at peace, for many reasons conflict continues and lives are lost. Those who put themselves in harm's way and pay that price deserve recognition and respect.
Today, and other days as well, take a moment to pause and remember these men and women.
