Do we know what Memorial Day is and why it is a National Holiday? Are we celebrating/observing Memorial Day properly?
I thought I knew what Memorial Day was! Once I started reading about it, I discovered I was not wholly correct on what Memorial Day was for. So what is Memorial Day? To quote Wikipedia, “Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.” I was mixing a portion of Veterans Day in with Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Definition and History
A quick search online returns thousands of results. I have listed what I thought were very good articles on the subject. Not only defining Memorial Day but also explaining the history behind the holiday.
- Memorial Day is a Day of Remembrance
- History Channel Memorial Day
- Memorial Day American Holiday
- Memorial Day – Over 150 Years of Remembrance
- Why do we observe Memorial Day?
- Memorial Day – Why Do We Celebrate It?
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day
Readers Digest has a great article about Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: What’s the Difference?
Basically, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those that died serving their country. Veterans Day is a day of gratitude for those that served and/or are serving their country.
In Conclusion
Why am I writing about Memorial Day on an animal rescue website? Animals have been a part of our history since before written history. Working with us, protecting us, and more including going to war with us. I feel we should remember them as well as our fallen fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. Military and police dogs put their lives on the line every day.
