Celebrating Memorial Day

For many Americans, this weekend will be filled with travel, backyard barbecues, get-togethers, and lots of great food.

Memorial Day is a great weekend to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy the early summer weather and beauty of our land.

It is also the time we remember those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

This week I came across a moving letter - from a refugee father to his sons. A letter explaining why they celebrate Memorial Day.

First, let's look briefly at the history of this holiday:

"On Memorial Day we honor the final resting places of the more than one million men and women who sacrificed their lives for our Nation, by decorating their graves with the stars and stripes, as generations have done since 1868. We also proudly fly America's beautiful flag at our homes, businesses, and in our community parades to honor their memory. In doing so, we pledge our Nation's allegiance to the great cause of freedom for which they fought and ultimately died."

-- Presidential Proclamation

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who died in service to their country. The holiday was officially proclaimed in 1868 to honor Union and Confederate soldiers and was expanded after World War I to honor those who died in all wars. Today, Memorial Day honors over 1 million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War.

And finally... the refugee's story at 31Daily.com.  

Celebrating Memorial Day + A Refugee's Story

While to many, Memorial Day is the beginning of the much-anticipated summer season.

To others, it's a day set aside to honor, and remember, to gather, and celebrate.

A day to be reminded of our priceless freedom.

Here are some ways to remember... and yes, celebrate!

Read More ...

Happy Memorial Day! Celebrate and Remember!