The Meaning of Memorial Day – Honor the Fallen

Despite the BBQ’s and beach trips, the meaning of Memorial Day is one of reflection and memory to honor our veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We honor those who came before us who laid down their lives so that we can live in peace. The USA is truly the home of the free because of the brave. The brave men and women who steadfastly fought our Nation’s wars both at home and abroad, many dying in town and fields we have never heard of and may never know.

The Meaning of Memorial Day: What Is It Exactly?

What is the meaning of Memorial Day and the history behind this day of remembrance? For that, let’s turn to history.org…

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.

Hey, we have definitely gone to the Jersey shore or taken vacations on this weekend before, yet it’s important to remember and reflect on the true meaning of the day.

Interestingly, the meaning of Memorial Day has its roots in “Decoration Day,” a holiday proposed by General John A. Logan, the leader of Northern Civil War veterans association. General Logan stated, “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated 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.”

It was not until 1968 that congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, and went into effect in 1971.

The Meaning of Memorial Day for Our Family

I just wanted to take a moment here to state the meaning of Memorial Day for our family…

Being a member of the Army Reserve for eighteen years now, I really take pride in the military observance days throughout the year.

the-meaning-of-memorial-dayMy great, great Grandfather was General John W. Geary, he fought in the Civil War and was a two-term Republican Governor of Pennsylvania. He was 6’6″ which was EXTREMELY tall for that that era. I wonder if he had a blog would it be talljohn.com lol ????

My Grandfather Stanley Kryven landed on Omaha beach with the US Army during the Normandy invasion. He survived the war yet passed before I was born.

My Grandfather on my Father’s served but was unable to fight in the First World War due to a medical condition.

My Father, Jack McGeary, is a veteran of the US Navy an served on board the USS Oriskany on the tail end of the Korean War.

My nephew, Joe McGeary, is on active duty with the US Air Force currently stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Meaning of Memorial Day: Honor the Fallen

The meaning of Memorial Day is TRULY to honor the brave sacrifices of the fallen. To pay honor and respect to those who gave their lives for our Great Nation.

the-meaning-of-memorial-dayA little known fact of Memorial Day is that each year on this day, a moment of remembrance takes place at 3pm local time.

Many towns have ceremonies at this exact time to honor the fallen.

And while the last Monday in May is the start of the summer season, take a moment to observe and remember the fallen Americans who gave their lives. This is the TRUE meaning of the day.

Here is a quick video on the meaning of Memorial Day that I think you will enjoy! To our fallen veterans, we salute you!