by Kat Ballew

Created on: March 14, 2010

Memorial Day has changed over the years, despite the efforts of many veterans and historians who still fight to restore its traditional intent. Memorial Day is a national holiday in which we remember those in the military who sacrificed their lives defending our country and our right to freedom. It is intended to be a day of mourning and a time to honor our military men and women whom not only died in the line of duty, but the ones still fighting today. While many do take this time to pay their respects, there are those who have forgotten the true meaning of this day and what it commemorates.

 Memorial Day was traditionally called Decoration Day, and it was a day in which people decorated the graves of those who died in the Civil War by placing flags and flowers on their burial sites. However, after World War I it also recognized all those who served in the military that were killed in wartime. The name was changed to Memorial Day in 1954.

While the date was traditionally observed on May 30 every year, Congress changed the date in 1971. It is now observed on the last Monday of May, in order to provide a three-day weekend. Many believe this change has caused the observance of Memorial Day to become a holiday of celebration instead of a day of mourning.

Memorial Day should be a day in which the flag is flown at half-mast, parades are organized to include firefighters, law enforcement and veterans, and a time to visit the graves and bring flowers in honor of those who died in the military and in the line of duty. However, today many have ignored these traditions and instead spend this day doing other things.

Many people believe Memorial Day is a celebration in which to welcome summer, and use this day to get together, cook out and enjoy a day off from work. Others relate this holiday as the weekend of spectacular summer sales events, a day in which the Indianapolis 500 begins, and the last holiday before schools and colleges close for the summer.

While many still do observe Memorial Day as it should be, the show of patriotism decreases year after year. While all Americans should participate in recognizing Memorial Day, there are many who do not even know the real meaning of this observance. In addition, some think it is a day to remember all who have died, instead of just our military soldiers.

While Memorial Day has changed over the years, it is still important to show respect and observe this day in which it was traditionally intended. There are many ways to observe Memorial Day and many events that are televised and held in Washington each year.

A wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and there are many National Memorial Day parades that include military marching bands, patriotic floats and veteran units. It is important to remember Memorial Day in any way possible to show respect and to honor those in uniform who have passed away. It is a small price to pay in comparison to the price of freedom.

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