Origins of Memorial Day

As most of us know, Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember the dead, especially those who lost their lives in service to our country. I wasn't aware of the history of Memorial Day, however, until I read "Memorial Day" by Mir Tamim Ansary to my children and our homeschooling co-op this week.

After the Civil War, a group of women went to a cemetery in Columbus, Mississippi and put flowers on all the soldiers' graves, regardless if they were from the North or the South. People in other areas copied this idea. It took until 1948, after World War II, for Memorial Day to become a national holiday.

I hope that all of you take a few moments today, amidst the fun that comes with the unofficial start of summer, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.