Tag: Memorial Day

As we gather across America for Memorial Day 2025, we pause not simply for a day off, but to reflect on the profound sacrifice made by generations of men and women in uniform. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who laid down their lives in service to the United States—those who, in the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln, gave their “last full measure of devotion.”

Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

Memorial Day began in the aftermath of the Civil War, originally known as Decoration Day. Americans would visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of soldiers with flowers, honoring those who had died to preserve the Union. Over the years, the observance expanded to include all U.S. military personnel who died in service.

Memorial Day 2025 marks more than 150 years since this tradition began. Today, it stands as a national moment of unity, remembrance, and gratitude. From the Revolutionary War to recent conflicts, the price of liberty has been paid by brave individuals who believed in the ideals of freedom and democracy.

We honor not just soldiers, but sons and daughters, parents and siblings, friends and neighbors—real people whose stories are woven into the fabric of our nation. Their courage demands not only our respect, but also our remembrance.

The Meaning Behind the Phrase “Last Full Measure of Devotion”

Few phrases better capture the spirit of Memorial Day than Lincoln’s words from the Gettysburg Address. Delivered on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, his speech lasted just over two minutes—but it has echoed through American history ever since.

It is fitting to revisit the full text this Memorial Day 2025, as a tribute to those we honor:

The Gettysburg Address

By Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Acts of Remembrance on Memorial Day 2025

Across the country this Memorial Day 2025, Americans will gather to honor the fallen. Flags will be flown at half-staff until noon. Gravesites will be visited, adorned with flowers and flags. Families will attend ceremonies at national cemeteries, local memorials, and veteran halls. The playing of Taps will ring out in solemn tribute.

At 3:00 p.m. local time, many will join in the National Moment of Remembrance—a simple pause to reflect on the lives sacrificed and the freedoms preserved.

If you are seeking meaningful ways to participate:

• Attend a local or virtual Memorial Day ceremony.
• Visit the grave of a fallen service member and leave a flag or flower.
• Volunteer with a veterans’ organization.
• Share the Gettysburg Address with your children or grandchildren.
• Take a moment of silence during your day to remember those lost.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Let us commit ourselves on Memorial Day 2025 to live lives worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf. As we enjoy the freedoms they protected, may we never forget the cost at which they came.

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This Memorial Day 2025 message was both written and optimized by Keith Klein of OnYourMark.com LLC for our friend, client, and partner Mark Mullarky, CEO of Great Lakes Tech Services, with an AI assist via ChatGPT.  Please feel free to use this Memorial Day 2025 blog yourself, with or without the image, with your own modifications, and with attribution via a live link to https://www.GreatLakesTS.com/

Memorial Day 2024: A Time for Reflection and Gratitude

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a solemn day of remembrance for the men and women who have died in military service to the United States. This year, as we gather with family and friends on May 27, 2024, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices made by our service members to preserve the freedoms we cherish. It is a time to honor their memories, reflect on the cost of liberty, and express our gratitude for their bravery and dedication.

The Origins and Significance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established to honor those who died in that devastating war. The tradition of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags began in the late 1860s, and over time, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who have died in all wars.

In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress and placed on the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for many Americans. This change was intended to encourage more citizens to remember and honor the fallen. However, the true spirit of Memorial Day extends beyond the long weekend and barbecues; it is a day of reflection and gratitude for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Honoring the Fallen

On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the countless men and women who have laid down their lives in defense of our nation. From the Revolutionary War to the present day, their courage and commitment have ensured the survival and success of the United States. Their sacrifices have preserved our democratic values and way of life, allowing us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that define our country.

One meaningful way to honor these heroes is to participate in local Memorial Day ceremonies and events. Many communities hold parades, memorial services, and wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans’ cemeteries. Attending these events is a powerful way to show respect for the fallen and support for their families. Additionally, visiting the gravesites of veterans and placing flags or flowers is a deeply personal act of remembrance.

Supporting Veterans and Their Families

While Memorial Day is dedicated to those who have died in service, it is also an appropriate time to recognize and support the living veterans and their families. The sacrifices made by military families are immense, and they often continue long after the loss of a loved one. Offering support to veterans and their families can take many forms, from volunteering with organizations that assist them to simply expressing gratitude for their service.

Programs like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion provide vital resources and support networks for veterans and their families. Donating to or volunteering with these organizations is a meaningful way to give back to those who have given so much. Additionally, reaching out to veterans in your community, listening to their stories, and acknowledging their service can make a significant impact.

Reflecting on the Cost of Freedom

Memorial Day is a reminder that the freedoms we often take for granted have been secured through immense sacrifice. It is a day to reflect on the true cost of liberty and to honor those who have paid that price with their lives. As we enjoy the company of loved ones and the freedoms that define our nation, let us remember that these privileges were earned through the bravery and dedication of our service members.

In our reflections, we can also commit to upholding the values for which they fought. This includes fostering a sense of unity and community, respecting the principles of democracy, and working towards a better future for all Americans. By living in a way that honors their sacrifice, we ensure that their legacy endures.

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2024 is a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. As we honor the memory of those who have died in service to our country, let us also commit to supporting their families, recognizing the sacrifices of living veterans, and upholding the values they fought to protect. By doing so, we not only pay tribute to the fallen but also strengthen the fabric of our nation. This Memorial Day, let us come together in unity and gratitude, honoring the past while working towards a brighter future.

Thanks to our friend and client/vendor/partner, Mark Mullarky of Great Lakes Tech Services, LLC for the original idea of recognizing Veterans several times each year, and sharing the recognition.

We share his sentiments:  Happy Memorial Day!  Thanking those who gave their last full measure of devotion.

Regards,

Keith Klein
Organizer, Wisconsin Business Owners
Founder & CEO, OnYourMark, LLC

Please contact us with questions.  Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response.  We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs).

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This post was generated by Mark Mullarky and me with an AI assist.  Please feel free to share it with an attribution link back to the original here: https://www.wisx.com/memorial-day-2024/  Image courtesy of Wikimedia.

Memorial Day is a time to remember and “Honor the Fallen” – those who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the military.  Memorial Day is also an opportunity for families to honor and remember all their ancestors who have passed away. Recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by those who came before us helps to deepen our understanding of our roots and strengthen our connection to our history and culture.

Many cultures around the world have unique traditions for honoring and celebrating their ancestors. By incorporating these practices into our own Memorial Day celebrations, we can create a more inclusive and meaningful event. Here are a few ways to honor all of the fallen and our ancestors during Memorial Day:

• Visit the graves of your ancestors: Spend some time visiting the resting places of your family members who have passed away. Tidy up their gravesites, lay flowers, and share stories about their lives to keep their memory alive.  Ask the old folks in your family to share stories.
• Create a family tree: Memorial Day can be a great time to work on creating a family tree or updating an existing one. This activity can help you learn about your family history and connect with relatives who may have information about your ancestors.
• Host a family gathering: Bring your family together to share memories, stories, and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. This can be an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and honor those who came before you.
• Learn about your cultural heritage: Take time to learn more about your ancestors’ culture, traditions, and history. This can provide valuable context and help you understand their lives better.
• Light a candle: Light a candle or lantern in memory of your ancestors and the fallen heroes. This simple act can symbolize their guiding presence in your life.
• Participate in community events: Many communities organize events on Memorial Day to honor the fallen and the ancestors. Join in these events to pay your respects and meet others who share your passion for honoring the past.

We hold in high regard those who, in Lincoln’s words, “gave their last full measure of devotion” on the battlefield simply because it is right and important to “Honor the Fallen.”  It is also important to cherish the memories of our ancestors as well as our fallen heroes, not just on Memorial Day, but every day. By incorporating these practices into our lives, we can ensure that their legacies live on and inspire future generations.

Inspired by Mark Mullarky of Great Lakes Tech Services, LLC.  Written by Keith Klein of OnYourMark, LLC with an AI assist.

Regards,
Keith Klein & the team at OnYourMark, LLC
Organizer, Wisconsin Business Owners

Thanks to our friends & clients, Paul Haut of WHaut.com and Mark Mullarky of GreatLakesTS.com who gave us the ideas for these holiday blog posts!

We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.  Please contact us with questions.  Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response.  We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs). As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others:

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In observance of Memorial Day 2022, we share the following from Wikipedia.

Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day^[1]) is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.^[2] It is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970.^[3]

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many volunteers place an American flag on graves of military personnel in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer in the United States.^[4]

Many cities and people have claimed to have first celebrated the event. In 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a “Decoration Day”, which was widely celebrated. By 1890, every Northern state had adopted it as a holiday. The World Wars turned it into a generalized day of remembrance instead of just for the Civil War. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as “Memorial Day” and changed its observance to the last Monday in May.

Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military: Armed Forces Day (which is earlier in May), an unofficial U.S. holiday for honoring those currently serving in the armed forces, and Veterans Day (on November 11), which honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.^[5]

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Thank you to Wikipedia.  The copy and images above first appeared at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

This Memorial Day 2022, we hope you’ll take a moment to remember those who have given “the last full measure of devotion.”

___________

Regards,

Keith Klein
Organizer, Wisconsin Business Owners
Founder & CEO, OnYourMark, LLC

We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.  Please contact us with questions.  Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response.  We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs).  As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others:
Facebook
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