Memorial Day is largely devoted to venerating those who perished during their service and recognizing our collective debt and mourning at their loss. Founded shortly following the conclusion of the Civil War, at the repeated suggestion of a pharmacist from Waterloo, New York that flowers and other commemorative objects be brought to the graves of deceased soldiers. This commemoration was established as Decoration Day, a time for recognizing the losses resulting from the Civil War and became officially recognized and widely adopted as of May 5, 1868.



It is a time for the emotional exploration of death for a cause and honoring the character and commitment of all the soldiers who fell throughout this country's distinguished military history, whether they were amateurs fighting for their convictions during the Civil War or thoroughly trained military operatives such as those who secured the victory of World War II.

Decoration Day was renamed Memorial Day in 1882, which extended the remembrance to all American soldiers who gave their lives for their country. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May in 1971.

Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it is still alternately called, is commemorated around the country with ceremonial observances, including placing the flags adorning all public building and government offices at half-staff.

There is an annual gathering of veterans, citizens, and interested parties that takes place over Memorial Day weekend at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Speeches and presentations commending the Armed Forces, their role in securing peace and national security, and the national debt of the living to those that have died for those noble causes.

If you know a family that has lost someone in a war fought by the United States, take Memorial Day as an opportunity to share your condolences for their loss as well as your gratitude for that contribution. You may be familiar with someone who has the distinction of being a veteran, for whom this occasion also merits special recognition.

Go to a local cemetery to decorate the graves of soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and other appropriate symbols of mourning. Or, delve into military history, become aware of current military trends and possible threats, and learn about wars of the past as part of your own Memorial Day observance.

Because Memorial Day is a federal holiday and most Americans have a day off, the three day weekend is also a time for enjoying the summer with barbeques, picnics, family time, and brief trips out of town, for instance to go to the beach, visit friends and relatives, or just to get away from it all.

So remember your friends and loved ones this Memorial Day by sending them a free e-card. Ecards are so easy to send and they help people to stay in touch. Send a free e-card and make somebody happy this Memorial Day.