A photo we took at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Did you know that Memorial Day is only an American holiday? It’s always observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.
Early Unofficial Observances
The Civil War saw more casualties than any other war in American history. This prompted the development of our country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans began honoring the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.
On May 5, 1868, the leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans General John A. Logan, called for a nationwide day of remembrance in late May. It was General Logan who first called it “Decoration Day”, and chose the date because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.
As thousands of “memorials” were observed over the years, Decoration Day gradually came to be known as Memorial Day. Memorial Day became an official federal holiday about 100 years later in 1971 with the largest parades taking place in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.
Giving back
Unofficially, Memorial Day officially marks the beginning of the summer season. As we remember those who have fallen, why not join the many organizations honoring veterans, retired and active duty military with discounts and freebies? It’s a good opportunity to develop a good relationship with the local community while honoring those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy as business owners.
Look over your business offerings and think about what you can do this Memorial Day!
Sources
The History Channel – Memorial Day
MilitaryBenefits.info – Memorial Day Free Meal, Sales, Discounts & Deals 2017