Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

The “Memorial” in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:

  • by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
  • by visiting memorials.
  • by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
  • by flying the ‘POW/MIA Flag’ as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
  • by participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance”: at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
  • by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

This year you can be part of the AFA and AFSA commemorative Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony near the Pentagon. CMSAF James A. Roy is the keynote speaker for this event. Planned activities include the national anthem, invocation, speeches, the laying of the wreath and the sounding of Taps.

Please join us Monday at 9 a.m. at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. There is also an opportunity available for individuals and organizations to lay smaller wreaths and/or flowers in memory of their loved ones, friends and organizational members. Contact the Air Force Memorial Office, 703-979-0674 or afmf@airforcememorial.org with questions. Directions to the Air Force Memorial may be found online at www.airforcememorial.org.

 


Link to original post