Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2021 will occur on Monday, May 31.
The Civil War may have ended in the Spring of 1865, but the resulting heartache of loss and destruction hung over our nation. By the late 1860’s Americans in various locations across the country began holding special events to pay tribute to those who had given their lives. They often recited prayers or readings, sang songs, and decorated graves with bouquets. In May of 1868, General John A. Logan, chief of a union veteran’s group, declared that May 30 should be set aside as Decoration Day. He encouraged Americans to decorate the graves of those who died in the war.
Many states adopted the holiday and made it official. Americans continued to commemorate those who died in the Civil War for more than fifty years. However, with the advent of World War I, this tradition of remembrance began honoring those who gave their lives in any war. It eventually became known as Memorial Day, and in 1968, the official date was changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May. In 1971, it was finally designated as a federal holiday.
Despite the increasing celebration of the holiday as a summer rite of passage, there are some formal rituals still on the books: The American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff. And since 2000, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation, all Americans are encouraged to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 pm local time.
So, as you enjoy the three-day weekend with family and friends, take time to remember the reason behind the holiday. Pause and reflect on the tremendous cost that these fallen men and women have given –all for the sake of our freedom.
Rentals America salutes our fallen heroes.
About Rentals America
Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is completely dedicated to property management and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.
