On this day, as a nation, we take the time to honor those, who in times of great need, put their own life on the line and gave it up to preserve the special way of life we all take for granted, seldom looking back to give thanks to those who preserved it for us.

I’ve often wondered at the lack of true remembrance we give to those who gave their life defending our way of life.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and was originally celebrated on May 30th. It actually did not become known as Memorial Day officially until 1967.

And it was on June 28, 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday, creating a convenient three-day weekend. Changing the date merely to create a three-day weekend has undermined the very meaning of this special day.

No doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day, turning this weekend into the unofficial beginning of summer. That being so, many people just use this weekend as an excuse for a long party, going on road trips or having cookouts, yet ignoring the true meaning of the day.

Things have changed somewhat, though. In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, asking people to stop and remember the fallen with a moment of silence at 3:00 PM.

And on Memorial Day, the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. Also, around the country, there are thousands of parades featuring marching bands and veterans participating, along with military vehicles from various wars.

As for us, today will truly be a simple day with no major observation employed. Though there is a local celebration planned at a park near our town hall, it’s raining. And since we had such a harsh winter, school is in session today, helping to make up for all the lost school days.

But, personally, I can’t help but remember the true meaning of this day. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved history and have read and studied so much about our military. I have an extensive library full of military history and have made several road trips over the years visiting Civil War battlefields. I’ve also visited the place that was the origin of our National Anthem during the War of 1812. I’ve even been to the Philippines and seen sites where major battles occurred during WWII.

And it’s during such moments, that I always remember that it was on these sites that much blood was shed, giving me the chance to visit them and remember the sacrifice that gave me the opportunity to revisit history. But on this day, I do remember and give thanks.