On May 30, 1868, the first official Decoration Day was declared by General John A. Logan and observed at Arlington National Cemetery. Volunteers decorated the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. Following World War II, Decoration Day was expanded and renamed Memorial Day to honor all Americans who died in military service. The day became a national holiday in 1971.

Too often, Memorial Day is just another checked-mark day on the calendar celebrated with picnics, corn roasts, hot dogs and the official opening of swimming pools. No doubt these are all good things, and they are part of our landscape. However, this extraordinary day has an even deeper meaning for families whose military sons and daughters sacrificed their lives for our country.