Today is a time to honor ‘most solemn holiday’
Memorial Day a remembrance for those who gave ultimate sacrifice
Memorial Day is a time for cookouts, swimming and family fun, throwing the door wide open to summer.
But there’s a much deeper meaning to Memorial Day, remembering those who served our country and gave their lives for their efforts.
Often dubbed “America’s most solemn holiday,” the observance stems from a practice dating back to the Civil War in which people decorated graves with flowers and flags. In fact, the day was originally known as Decoration Day. On this day, there are a few traditions and customs often observed.
The U.S. Flag, for example, is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff until sunset.
And it’s common to see flags decorating homes across our region on Memorial Day. But is it enough? In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act. The document notes that “it is essential to remember and renew the legacy of Memorial Day, which was established in 1868 to pay tribute to individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States and their families.”
Congress felt that “greater strides must be made to demonstrate appreciation for those loyal people of the United States whose values, represented by their sacrifices, are critical to the future of the United States.”
The act notes that Congress wanted to make Memorial Day more relevant, both to current and future generations.
The National Moment of Remembrance Act declared Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace, with 3 p.m. local time on that day as the time to join in prayer.
“A National Moment of Remembrance and other commemorative events are needed to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble event that that day is intended to be,” the act notes.
At 3 p.m. today, set a few moments aside for the National Moment of Remembrance.
Today, on Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who served America and gave their lives in that service.
DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?