Memorial Day Feature Block

Memorial Day is often referred to as the unofficial start of summer in the United States.  But while vacations and barbeques have become synonymous with Memorial Day weekend, it is important to remember the history and purpose of our only federally recognized holiday in the month of May.

First observed in 1868, the holiday was then known as “Decoration Day,” remembering those Union soldiers who gave their lives in the battle to save the young democracy known as the United States.  As our nation healed over the years from the devastation of the Civil War, the recognition of Decoration Day expanded to include all military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  By 1890, every state had adopted the holiday on their calendar, becoming a nationally recognized day of remembrance in the United States.

After two World Wars and several regional conflicts cost American troops their lives in the 20th century, Congress moved to standardize the holiday across all states in 1971, designating the last Monday in the month of May and officially proclaiming the federal holiday as “Memorial Day.”

On this Memorial Day, the 29th day of May in 2023, Brett/Robinson honors all those military service members, and their families, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our collective freedom.