Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars.
For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
It is our courageous military families that have given their all for this country and for you and I. Memorial Day is not about politicians giving speeches or about sales in stores, it is about our men and women in uniform who deserve our respect and honor for all of their sacrifice. To those who wear or have worn the uniform, Thank you seems trite and ineffective. It is you who have given and keep our very freedoms! We can never repay that debt. To those families whose Warriors gave their lives, it was not in vain. Your life and your death matter and we will never forget! God Bless You All.. Heartbeat Serving Wounded Warriors will never forget you!
Janice Buckley
Founder/President Heartbeat Serving Wounded Warriors
