Memorial Day is a day that is celebrated once a year to honor the brave American soldiers who gave their lives and fought for freedom.  So many soldiers risked their lives and ended their lives on the battlefield due to their love and dedication to the United States and its citizens.  Memorial Day honors those soldiers that gave everything to strive for achieving peace in America.

The history of Memorial Day explains that the Grand Army of the Republic established Memorial Day on May 5, 1868 to honor the soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War between the Union and Confederate states.  The holiday was to be honored each May 30th of every year to display appreciation for the soldiers and to decorate their graves to display gratitude.  The first observance of the holiday occurred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. where thousands of Civil War soldiers had been laid to rest.  During the very first observance, many speeches were made and the spectators all recited prayers and hymns for the dead soldiers.

The meaning of Memorial Day soon expanded to honoring soldiers that risked their lives and died for the United States in any war involving America.  Congress declared Memorial Day to be a national holiday in 1971, and it would be honored on the last Monday in May of each year.  On this special day, family and friends of deceased soldiers usually travel to the graves of the soldiers to decorate their graves with flowers, banners, cards, and other decorations in order to pay tribute to their dedication and loyalty to their country.  Americans show deep appreciation for these brave soldiers because if they had not given their lives for America, it would not be the free and amazing place that it is today. 

In celebrating Memorial Day, most people receive the day off of work in order to pay tribute to the soldiers that fought for freedom.  There are also numerous Memorial Day parades that encourage American patriotism and honor the lost soldiers.  The people in these parades wave their American flags high and are so very proud to live in America and honor the lost American soldiers.  On this day, many families also come together to spend time with each other and celebrate how lucky they are to live in a country like America.

There are an abundance of memorable Memorial Day quotes that honor the soldiers that died fighting for America in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the other wars that Americans have taken part in.  The quotes express mournful words honoring the deceased soldiers as well as inspirational words of patriotism and honor for America.  One memorable quote was stated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and reads, “They are dead; but they live in each Patriot's breast, And their names are engraven on honor's bright crest.”

Memorial Day will always be a day that is designated for honoring and expressing deep appreciation for the bravery and loyalty that U.S. soldiers possessed in order fight to the death for freedom.