Girls Rock Radio

It's Memorial Day in the United States, and Girls Rock Radio would like to take a moment to reflect on the meaning.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was established following the Civil War to honor Union soldiers.  Later, after World War I, the meaning of the day was broadened to encompas all American causalties of war or other military action.  Memorial Day was originally observed on May 30th until 1968 when the Uniform Holidays Bill moved the observance to the last Monday of May.

It's not uncommon to find rural communities on Memorial Day adorned by flag lined streets.  Many consider Memorial Day the unofficial first day of summer.  Putting the two together, you have a colorful holiday full of celebration and the all too familiar sights, sounds, and smells of festivals and BBQs.  In that, and in the change of date, some say we've lost the meaning of Memorial Day, that we've become nonchalant in our observance.  Personally, I can't think of a better way to honor America's fallen than by rejoicing in a day that celebrates her freedom and all the promise of the new summer in the USA.  That is precisely what was at stake in the first place.

So fly your flags proudly today in the USA.  Think of all who have gone before you and the many who have sacrificed.  Stop for the traditional national moment of remenbrance at 3:00pm your local time.  Then continue to celebrate the day with family picnics and commuity festivals - the essence of life in the United States of America.