Memorial Day

D8T8YA Memorial Day Parade in downtown Sarasota Florida

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and our citizens’ desire to honor our fallen heroes by decorating their graves with flowers, and later our flag. We continue that tradition of respect and remembrance today by honoring the generations of men and women who sacrificed their lives for our nation, standing as a solemn reminder that freedom is never free.

The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May, a time of year when weather is turning warmer and schools and universities are adjourning for summer break. To Americans, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Many people attend parades, go to the beach or have cook-outs with friends and family.

But at its heart, Memorial Day is a day when Americans reflect on the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in military service. For more information, please go to the ShareAmerica website.