Font Size:

The Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial start of summer. It's a time that many families take road trips or just spend time together to enjoy the three-day weekend. But all too often, I feel that a lot of people - myself included - forget what this holiday is really about: remembering the men and women who have given their lives in service of this country.

A little history lesson for you: Memorial Day was originally known as "Decoration Day" - so called because when it was proclaimed a holiday by General John Logan in 1868, it was created with the purpose of decorating the grave sites of those soldiers who had died in defense of the Union during the Civil War. Many of the southern states did not recognize this holiday, but instead held a similar observance on a different day for Confederate soldiers. The term "Memorial Day" was first used in 1882, and the holiday was expanded to observe American casualties of all wars after World War I. Memorial Day gained more widespread recognition after World War II and was officially declared a federal holiday in 1967. A few years later, Memorial Day was moved from its traditional May 30th date to the last Monday in May in order to create a convenient three-day weekend for federal employees. There are still many people and organizations who advocate moving Memorial Day back to its traditional May 30th observance.

With all of the outdoor activities, barbecues, road trips, and weekend sales that are planned for this three-day weekend, I think it's easy for us to forget why we celebrate this holiday. We in Central Texas should be especially mindful of the ongoing sacrifices of the brave men and women who serve our country to ensure the freedoms and lifestyle we enjoy on this holiday weekend, many of whom are based at Fort Hood. So as you go about your weekend plans, be mindful of why you have this three-day weekend. Traditionally, there is a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 pm local time. At the very least, take that moment to honor those who have died in defense of this country, and be grateful toward those who continue to serve.

Here's part of the original Decoration Day order made by General John Logan in 1868: