Memorial Day is Monday, May 31st. You know the holiday is approaching when stores start heavily marketing their upcoming sales, but it’s so much more than that. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have lost their lives in service of the United States of America.

Memorial Day began shortly after the Civil War which ended in 1865. General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic proclaimed it in his General Order No 11 on May 5th, 1868.

In General Logan’s order it is said “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.”

Since May 30th wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle, General Logan named it Decoration Day. However in 1880, the name was officially changed to Memorial Day.

I’m grateful for those brave souls who served in our military and gave their lives protecting our great nation and our freedom and to those who fight for us today. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!