In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day will always be on a Monday in May.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who have died while serving in the armed forces.
Memorial Day is often marked with ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries and memorials. It is also a time when families and friends gather for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor activities. This important holiday holds significant historical and patriotic value in American culture.
If you want to learn more about Memorial Day, its origins, and how it is celebrated, read on.
- Honoring fallen heroes
- Historical significance
- National unity
- Remembrance and reflection
- Commemorative traditions
- Unofficial start of summer
Extract Labs offers up to 60% off for veterans through our Discount Program. Alongside veterans, the discount program is available to first responders, healthcare workers, low income, disibility & teachers.
Extract Labs is Veteran owned & founded by combat veteran & CEO Craig Henderson. Learn more about Craigs' story on our site.
As the sun rises on Memorial Day, we are reminded of the profound gratitude and reverence we hold for the brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. While this day is filled with solemn reflection, it also serves as an opportunity to come together as a community, share stories, and honor the legacies of those who have fallen.
In this blog post, we delve into the rich history and enduring significance of Memorial Day, exploring how it has evolved over the years to become an important part of our national fabric. We will also shed light on how our Veteran owned company is committed to commemorating this special day and giving back to those who have served through our exclusive discount program.
Join us on this journey as we remember the fallen, celebrate their lives, and express our deepest gratitude for their service, all the while maintaining a balance between the solemnity and the hope that Memorial Day represents.
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day traces its origins back to the tumultuous period following the American Civil War, a time when the nation was healing from the devastating loss of life and grappling with the process of rebuilding. In the late 1860s, various communities across the United States began holding annual springtime tributes to honor the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers. This grassroots movement of remembrance was initially known as “Decoration Day.”
It was General John A. Logan, a Union Army veteran and leader of the veterans’ organization Grand Army of the Republic, who designated May 30, 1868, as the first official nationwide day of commemoration. This date was chosen not because it marked the anniversary of a particular battle, but because it was a time when flowers would be in bloom across the country, symbolizing renewal and hope. On that first Decoration Day, a crowd of 5,000 gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects, laying flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers.
As the years passed and the United States engaged in further conflicts, Decoration Day gradually evolved into Memorial Day, a more encompassing holiday that would pay tribute to all American service members who died in the line of duty. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which shifted the observance of Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday of May, in order to create a long weekend for American families. This change took effect in 1971, and from then on, Memorial Day has been recognized as a federal holiday, providing a dedicated time for the nation to come together and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Traditional Memorial Day Observances
Over the years, Memorial Day has become synonymous with a range of time-honored traditions that help us pay tribute to the fallen and express our gratitude for their sacrifices. These observances serve as a powerful reminder of the bravery and selflessness of those who have served our nation.
Parades, ceremonies, and other events: Memorial Day parades are held in towns and cities across the United States, featuring marching bands, veterans’ organizations, and military personnel. These parades not only bring communities together in a show of respect and appreciation but also offer an opportunity to educate younger generations about the importance of honoring our heroes. Alongside parades, there are numerous ceremonies and events organized by local governments, veterans’ associations, and community groups, which often include speeches, patriotic music, and the reading of the names of the fallen.
Visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on graves: One of the most poignant Memorial Day traditions involves visiting the final resting places of fallen service members. Families, friends, and volunteers gather at cemeteries to place flags or flowers on the graves of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This act of remembrance is a heartfelt way to honor their memory and show our gratitude for their service.
Moment of remembrance and national moment of silence: In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance, which encourages all Americans to pause at 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence. This collective act of reflection allows us to unite in our gratitude and respect for the men and women who have given their lives in defense of our nation. By participating in this national moment of silence, we acknowledge the sacrifices made by these heroes and recommit ourselves to the values for which they fought.
These traditional observances serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals throughout our nation’s history, allowing us to come together in a spirit of unity and remembrance on this solemn day.
The Modern Significance of Memorial Day
As we continue to observe Memorial Day in the 21st century, the holiday remains an essential opportunity for us to honor the sacrifices of military personnel, reflect on our shared history, and come together as a nation. Its significance transcends time, serving as a constant reminder of the values and freedoms for which these brave individuals fought.
Honoring the sacrifices of military personnel: Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity to express our gratitude to the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. By participating in ceremonies, parades, and other commemorative events, we honor their memory and ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. These acts of remembrance also offer support to the families of the fallen, reminding them that their loved ones’ contributions to our nation are recognized and appreciated.
A time for reflection and gratitude: Memorial Day is a moment for us to pause and consider the immense sacrifices made by those who have served in our armed forces. As we gather with friends and family, we can take the time to reflect on the freedoms and privileges we enjoy as a result of these individuals’ bravery and dedication. This day of remembrance serves as a reminder of our responsibility to uphold the values they fought for and to express our gratitude for their service.
The role of Memorial Day in fostering national unity: At its core, Memorial Day is a celebration of the values that unite us as Americans. The holiday transcends political, cultural, and generational divides, bringing us together in a shared recognition of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. By engaging in the traditional observances of this day, we reinforce our common bonds and our commitment to the principles that define us as a nation.
In an ever-changing world, the enduring significance of Memorial Day remains a testament to the courage, selflessness, and dedication of those who have given their lives for our country. As we honor their memory, we also reaffirm our commitment to the values and freedoms they fought to protect.
Extract Lab's Commitment to Honoring Memorial Day
At Extract Labs, we understand the importance of honoring Memorial Day and paying tribute to the sacrifices made by military personnel. Our company’s roots are deeply connected to the military community, with our CEO and founder, Craig Henderson, being a combat veteran himself. After serving in Iraq, Craig discovered the potential benefits of cannabis, particularly CBD, for veterans seeking relief from various ailments. This passion eventually led to the birth of Extract Labs, a company driven by the mission to make high-quality CBD products accessible to everyone.
Our commitment to supporting veterans and active military personnel goes beyond recognizing their sacrifices on Memorial Day. As a veteran-owned business, we believe in taking care of those who have selflessly served our country. That’s why we offer a special discount program for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
To qualify for the Extract Labs discount program, we kindly ask you to provide proof of your military service. This can be in the form of a DD214, a driver’s license with a veteran stamp, a VA Card, or an active military ID card. By providing this documentation, we can ensure the integrity of the program and prevent instances of stolen valor.
Once your service has been verified, you will be eligible for our exclusive discounts, allowing you to experience the benefits of our premium, lab-tested, CBD products at a reduced cost. At Extract Labs, we are dedicated to giving back to the brave men and women who have served our country, and our discount program is one way we express our gratitude for their dedication and sacrifices.
Through honoring Memorial Day and offering our veteran discount program, Extract Labs stands by its mission to support those who have served our nation. We encourage you to share this program with fellow veterans and active military members so they can benefit from our products and experience the potential relief that CBD can provide.
Conclusion
As we gather with loved ones to commemorate Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by the courageous men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. Their dedication and selflessness have ensured the freedoms and values we hold dear, and it is our responsibility to honor and remember them.
At Extract Labs, we are committed to paying tribute to these heroes not only on Memorial Day but throughout the year. Our veteran discount program is a testament to our dedication to giving back to those who have served, and we are proud to support the military community in any way we can.
We invite you to join us in honoring the fallen, expressing our gratitude for their service, and sharing our discount program with eligible friends and family members. Together, we can ensure that the legacies of these brave individuals live on, and the principles for which they fought remain strong.
Wishing you a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day, from all of us at Extract Labs.
More Veteran Blogs | How CBD Can Benefit Veterans
