Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in the service of the United States of America. It was originally established as “Decoration Day” shortly after the end of the Civil War in 1865. The desire was to decorate the graves and honor the dead lost in battle during the war. On the first Decoration Day, 5,000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington Cemetery.
This Tradition continued until after World War I when the holiday evolved from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war. At that point, it became known as Memorial Day.
In the picture at right, Pat is shown at Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego visiting the grave of her parents, both of whom served in and met in the military during WWII.
This weekend, we will be remembering and honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in order that we may have the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy. We ask that you take a moment with us to silently pay tribute to them.