Happy Memorial Day! It’s a three day weekend that many consider the start of the summer season. However, Memorial Day is much more than simply a day off from work.
Did you know that the predecessor to Memorial Day started after the Civil War? It was originally called “Decoration Day” when community members and Union veterans would visit the graves of fallen Union soldiers and decorate them with flowers. Today we celebrate and honor all U.S. troops who have fallen in all conflicts, not just the Civil War.
In May of 1865, former enslaved people held a ceremony and parade at a former racetrack in Charleston, South Carolina, where 260 Union soldiers were buried in a mass grave. The former enslaved people reburied the soldiers in individual graves, decorated the new graves and sang songs of freedom and held a picnic.
It wasn’t until 1968 that the Federal government established Memorial Day as an official federal holiday on the last Monday each May. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, noting that the three day weekend would be easier for Americans to travel and that it would promote industry and commercial activities.
While many will catch some rays at the beach, attend picnics, play a sport, or simply take the day to relax at home, Memorial Day is a day of reflection and commemoration of our fallen soldiers. In 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was passed, in which 3:00 PM is designated as a moment of silence and American Flags are lowered to half-mast in commemoration of the day.
Thanks to all of our veterans for your service, but on Memorial Day, let’s give special thanks and remembrance of all of those who lost their lives defending our country and protecting our freedoms.
The Law Firm of DiOrio & Sereni, LLP is a full-service law firm in Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We strive to help people, businesses and institutions throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania solve legal problems – and even prevent legal problems before they occur. To learn more about the full range of our specific practice areas, please visit www.dioriosereni.com or contact Scott C. Gottel, Esquire at 610-565-5700 or at [email protected].
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