It’s Memorial Day, and you may be observing the holiday with a visit to a local cemetery for a flag ceremony or gathering with friends for a barbecue. If you are looking for a deeper appreciation or a fresh way to understand those who have died preserving American freedom and our way of life, here are a few interesting facts:
It’s Often Confused With Veterans Day. There are only 11 federal holidays recognized by the United States, and Memorial Day is one of them. Memorial Day honors those who have died in service to the United States, while Veterans Day honors all military, both living and deceased.
The Timing Isn’t Random. While the date of Memorial Day might fluctuate depending on how it falls on the calendar, it’s always the last Monday in May. This day was chosen because it allows flowers to be in full bloom for placement at soldiers’ graves.
It Has Ancient Roots. Thousands of years ago, Greeks remembered their fallen heroes in an annual remembrance that included the decoration of graves with flowers. It emerged in the United States following the Civil War as Decoration Day, and after World War II became known as Memorial Day. Federal law made the name official in 1967,
Boalsburg, Pennsylvania held one of the first Decoration Day events in October 1864, but Carbondale, Illinois and Petersburg, Virginia also engaged in commemorations around the same time.
Proper Honor. In 1867, a group of emancipated African-Americans located the mass grave in South Carolina where there were 257 Union soldiers. They arranged for a proper burial and recognized the fallen with a parade and flowers placed at each grave.
Change of Tone. When the last Monday in May was designated as the federal holiday, what was once a solemn day of remembrance favored the travel industry. A long weekend provided the opportunity to go on a trip, make plans with friends and relax. Marketers saw it as an ideal time to launch sales.
Meanwhile, people still feel a longing to honor the sacrifice of soldiers in a meaningful way. Today, Americans try to find the right balance in honoring those who secure our freedom while enjoying that freedom with loved ones on the holiday.
At SJC Marketing, we try to find that balance, as well. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the families of our fallen heroes and express gratitude for the freedom we enjoy in this beautiful nation.