Remembering Bravery and Sacrifice

Memorial Day has undergone several changes over time. The holiday was first celebrated on May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, New York, when “residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

Two years later, the holiday became a national day of remembrance and was officially named “Decoration Day.” May 30 was selected as the holiday’s official date at that time. It was originally created to honor those lost during the Civil War, but evolved to commemorate all American military personnel lost in subsequent wars.

Over the years, the name gradually changed to Memorial Day. In 1968 the holiday observance was moved to the last Monday in May.

Today, as we honor those men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country and protecting our freedoms, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

On this Memorial Day, may the bravery and sacrifice our service men and women displayed around the world serve as shining examples of love, sacrifice, and bravery for all Americans.

God bless you,

David Cerullo