Memorial Day is finally close! This special day is celebrated on May 28, 2018. Some people think this is a special day because no working or going to school. But that’s not the only good thing about Memorial Day, there are other things that makes this day special. The history how this day became Memorial Day, and why we celebrated it. This day is special to those who were fighting in the Civil war and those who are currently serving or have serve for our country.

Memorial Day is also known as Decoration Day, honoring those who lost fighting in the Civil War. During WW1, the U.S found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. This day continued to be observed on May 30 where the day was selected for the first Decoration Day. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last day in May in order to create a three-day for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law was also declared as Memorial Day a federal holiday. Memorial Day was established on May 28.

This day means a lot to people in the military and to families who had someone in the military that died in the Civil War.  “Memorial Day is one of those days to express remembrance so maybe people have relatives who died fighting for their country and Memorial day is a way to appreciate and be grateful of those who passed away from the war.” says sophomore Gian Camaganacan.

In the early days of Memorial Day, the Civil War ended in 1865, claiming a lot of lives, that established the country’s first national cemeteries. Communities and cities had independently have gatherings for this day. The federal government declared Waterloo, New York the “birthplace” of Memorial day, and that’s why New York has the biggest parade across the U.S. Waterloo was first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866, this was chosen to host an annual, community wide event, and people to decorate the graves with soldiers and flags.

The most important thing in the early days of Memorial Day, was figuring out were it was originated from. In different towns there were two Columbus challengers (one in Mississippi, the other in Georgia) who have battled out for Memorial Day supremacy for decades. More than 20 towns claims the “birthplace” where this day should be. People wanted the day’s birthplace in Gettysburg, Carbondale, Illinois, and Mississippi. In the U.S government revealed that Waterloo, New York is the “birthplace”. Which President Lyndon signed the legislation, that was recently passed by the U.S government.

The traditions are other part of of Memorial Day. Cities and towns across the U.S host parades each year, with military incorporations and veterans’ organizations. The biggest parades for this holiday Chicago,  New York, and of course Washington, D.C are in Americans also visiting cemeteries and memorials to pray, give flowers, and speeches about them. Some people throw parties, and have barbecues. Thanking people in the military for their service, leaving flowers each year on their graves, and saying the pledge of allegiance everyday.   

The traditions on Memorial Day have changed over the years. The original tradition that the American Flag should hung at half-moon until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff. Since 2000, all Americans are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence at 3pm local time. The federal government has also used this day to honor non-veterans. Which these traditions could be used today but also the traditions today are little different.

People celebrated this day to show the importance of what the men and women did for this country. Going to show their love for them is dearly appreciated. Camaganacan explains what the men and women do for our country, “It’s important because due to their actions, they ensured safety in our country. If it wasn’t for them, we probably wouldn’t be safe as we would be now. We may not be here and the USA might not look the way it is today without them.”

“I tell my family who were in the military ‘thank you for your service’.” says, sophomore Megan Wilson.

Memorial Day is also about how we as citizens do in this country. Citizens inspiring to work hard for our country and treating them with this day making them feel special, not regretting what they did for us. Just by obeying the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others. Defending our country and others to keep each other safe, also being civil with each other. Wilson talks about responsibilities the of everyone in this country, “To select a very good president, being civil with each other, and honor the military for what they do for us.”

Camaganacan explains being a hero is, “To me, what makes a person a hero is that if they done something to someone that comes out of pure goodness and kindness. Heroes are also people who do good for the world and make it a better place for these in need.”

“A person that helps people with problems they have and show people that anything is possible as long as you put your mind into it.” says sophomore Audrey Moore.

This day children look up being grateful for everything for living peacefully with there friends and families. Children that had or have family in the military are appreciating their family because knowing that this day comes every May, and also knowing the history. This day is dearly appreciated by everyone and this day will never be forgotten.