Remembering the meaning of Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day.

For many of us, this day means barbecues, sales, a day off from work and the unofficial start of summer. And while all of these things are very nice, they really have nothing to do with Memorial Day.

Today is a day of solemn remembrance for all those who have fought and died for our country. It's not to be confused with Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day, which pay tribute to living veterans and active duty soldiers. Started shortly after the Civil War, Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, a day when citizens recognized the war's fallen soldiers by visiting and decorating their graves.

After World War I, the holiday was expanded to honor all who have died in American wars, though it wasn't until 1971 that today was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress.

So even though many of us mark this day with summertime activities and celebrations, take a moment to remember the somber purpose of this day. And there's even a perfect time to do so – at 3 p.m. today will be the National Moment of Remembrance. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this moment “encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: ‘It's a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.'”