Observed on the final Monday of May, Memorial Day honors the U.S. military personnel who have died in service to the country. Its roots trace back to the Civil War—America’s deadliest conflict—and to the tradition of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.
Originally called Decoration Day, the first widely observed memorial took place in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery, where 5,000 participants decorated more than 20,000 graves. The tradition continued and expanded to include fallen soldiers from every major U.S. conflict, including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and modern wars.
In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday. Today, it serves not only as a long weekend, but as a powerful reminder of the courage, loss, and gratitude embedded in our nation’s history.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell
Why It Inspires:
Memorial Day isn’t just about history—it’s about remembrance. It reminds us that freedom comes at a cost, and that the stories of those who gave everything must continue to be told. It invites us to reflect, respect, and recommit to honoring those who never came home.
