Memorial Day in the United States is Monday, May 26^th. This federal holiday is observed each year on the last Monday in May to commemorate military personnel who lost their lives defending our country.

First known as Decoration Day, it was recognized as early as the 1860s on May 30^th to honor the union soldiers who died in the Civil War. After World War I, all American soldiers who lost their lives while serving in the military became the focus of this solemn holiday. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a federal holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Also, the United States Code has specific guidelines for flying Old Glory on Memorial Day. U.S. flags should fly at half-staff from sunrise until noon. At noon, flags should be “raised briskly” to the top of the staff and flown at full-staff until sunset.

To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and President Clinton signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act.” This annual event asks Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States.

As we enjoy this three-day weekend and the unofficial beginning of summer, take time while gathered with friends and family around the barbeque grill to remember the men and women who gave their life serving our country and reflect on the true cost of freedom.

Common Ground
by Dee Bowlin
		
We place bouquets of flowers on cold graves
in numbered rows too long to comprehend.
One flag salutes each soldier as it waves—   
a husband, wife, a child, perhaps a friend.
America’s been saved throughout the years
by myriads of warriors like our son.
We gather now to mourn with prideful tears
and celebrate the battles bravely won.  

We’re here to honor all who gave their lives,
but one alone remains in memories.
The story of our valiant boy survives
to share with those around us on their knees.
				
You say your son knew ours while in the war?
Come sit with us a while and tell us more.