Over the years, Memorial Day has seemed to fade into

the shadows. What was once a much venerated time of

remembrance, has now been watered down to another

day off from work and the time to begin wearing white.

As Ohioans, it is important that we not for-

get the countless men and women who

gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving

our country. I urge you to reflect on the

many stories of heroism you have wit-

nessed from our soldiers; and when you

see a veteran, thank them for the service

they have provided to our country.

The History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day originated after the Ameri-

can Civil War to commemorate the Union

and Confederate soldiers who lost their

lives. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was cus-

tom to decorate a soldiers grave with flowers. Over

two dozen cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial

Day, but it was officially

proclaimed as a holiday at

Arlington National Ceme-

tery in 1868.

New York was the first

state to officially recognize

the day in 1873, and by

1890 it was recognized by

all northern states. The

South did not acknowledge

Memorial Day until after

World War I, and instead

honored their deceased on

separate days.

Memorial Day was finally recognized as a national holi-

day in 1971, when the National Holiday Act passed in

Congress. To ensure a three day weekend for Federal

Holidays, the day of celebration was set as the last

Monday in May and has been so ever since.

Memorial Day in Recent Years

Sadly, traditional observance of Memorial

Day has diminished over the years. In to-

days society, many Americans do not

know the meaning or traditions of Memori-

al Day. People no longer visit the graves of

our heroes, and most American towns

havent held a parade in years. Before

2004, Washington D.C. had not held a Me-

morial Day parade in over 60 years.

In efforts to re-educate and remind Ameri-

cans of the meaning of Memorial Day, the

National Moment of Remembrance reso-

lution was passed in December of 2000. The resolution

asks that at 3 PM all Americans Voluntarily and infor-

mally observe in their own way a Moment of remem-

brance and respect, paus-

ing from whatever they

are doing for a moment of

silence of listening to

Taps.

While many believe this is

a step in the right direc-

tion, some have gone fur-

ther to suggest that Me-

morial Day be moved back

to May 30th, as a three-

day weekend undermines

the meaning of the day.

Let us use this time to remember the true meaning of

Memorial Day, and honor those who gave our state and

nation so much.

Honoring our countrys fallen heroes Memorial Day is a time for remembrance