ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Memorial Day weekend

Once again, this article may look familiar as it is the same one that I have used for the past couple of years for Memorial Day. I feel it is particularly important to take a brief pause on all things trees and shed some light on the true meaning and history of such a significant weekend.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have fought and died for our freedoms. The holiday that started as “Decoration Day” in 1868 in the aftermath of the Civil War. Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued an order designating May 30th, not as the Memorial Day we refer to now, but as a day in memory of the fallen Union Soldiers from the previous four-year, one-month, and two-week long war. 620,000 soldiers to be more specific. Logan stated that the day was “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

Over the years, the meaning of Decoration Day evolved from observing and honoring the countless lives lost in the civil war, into a day that we honor all members of the American armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As the meaning of Decoration Day evolved, so did the name, as well as the day it is observed on. By the end of the 19th century, most people would refer to Decoration Day as Memorial Day, and in 1968 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, that moved the observance of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved a number of federal holidays from their original date to Mondays, to include Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day), Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. The bill was put into action for the purpose of creating longer weekends for family and friends to gather in observance of, and to honor what those holidays are supposed to represent.

On Memorial Day, our flags are supposed to be raised at half-staff from sunrise until noon, at which time they shall be briskly raised to the top of the staff until sunset. The flag is flown at half-staff to represent the nation as a whole during times of mourning. It is raised to full-staff to show that the nation lives, for the flag is the symbol of a living nation. Americans are also encouraged to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time by observing one minute of silence in honor of those who gave their lives in service to our country.

While camping, barbecues, and vacations all take place on this coming weekend, do not let these activities overshadow what this holiday weekend is truly supposed to represent. Please, if you will, take time this weekend to reflect upon and honor the ultimate sacrifice made by the heroes of America who have given their lives for our freedom.