It can be a little too easy to let Memorial Day become just another 3-day weekend. The days quickly fill with normal, routine tasks, or maybe a trip to the beach, a visit with extended family, or a BBQ at a friend’s house.

While there’s nothing wrong with this, we want to proactively remember what this weekend is all about, and those who made a weekend full of freedom and potential possible.

We salute the brave men and women who have fallen, and the families they leave behind as well.

Memorial Day - Truly a Time to Come Together

Memorial Day originally was called Decoration Day, and was established in 1868 after the Civil War ended. The Grand Army of the Republic (a group of veteran Union soldiers) set the day apart for decorating the graves of their fallen comrades.

Over time, even this sacred day of remembrance became marked by division, with both the north and south commemorating their lost on different, competing days. It wasn’t until the 20th century that we, as a nation, settled on one day to honor all of those lost in wars and conflicts, foreign and domestic.

Without stepping into the dangerous territory of discussing politics or opposing viewpoints, let’s just remember what this weekend is for, and who we are honoring.