Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. First referred to as Decoration Day, the holiday originated following the Civil War in 1868 and did not become federally recognized until 1971. This holiday was set aside for Americans to honor and remember those men and women who have died while serving in our country’s armed forces.

While many of us will be enjoying a long weekend in the mountains or at the beach, picnics or sporting events, and time with friends and family, let us not forget that this country remains free through the grace of God and the sacrifice of many men and women who have given their lives for our safety and security.

The National Moment of Remembrance Resolution was passed in December 2000 and asks that at 3 PM local time all Americans “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps”. I hope everyone will join in this act of commemoration to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Happy Memorial Day, and may God continue to bless the United States of America and its citizens!