Today, May 27, 2013, is Memorial Day

By: Jeffrey Lapin

Today, May 27, 2013, is Memorial Day, a day to remember all service men and women who have died in service to this country, whether in war or peacetime. We, as Americans, owe a large debt to all of these remarkable men and women who have given the life in service to our Country. Their committed service and selfless sacrifice has and continues to protect us, our freedoms and way of life.

HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY

Originally called Decoration Day in 1868 to honor soldiers in the Civil war, it was expanded after World War I to honor all soldiers who died in any war. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress and changed its date from May 30 date to the last Monday in May. Today, May 27, 2013, on this Memorial Day we honor over million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War. Memorial Day is distinguished from Veterans Day, a day in which we honor all service members and Veterans.

MEMORIAL DAY INSIGHTS

The United States Census Bureau has an Infographic about Memorial Day:

(Click to enlarge into a new window)

Source: Census.gov › How Do We Know? › Memorial Day Infographic: http://www.census.gov/how/infographics/memorial_day.html

MEMORIAL DAY QUOTE

There are literally hundreds of thousands of quotes about Memorial Day. One of my favorites is from President Harry S. Truman and is engraved on the World War II War Memorial:

The text reads: “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”

Source: USA.gov> News From Our Blog: http://blog.usa.gov/post/51468074347/image-description-an-engraving-of-a-quote-from

CONCLUDING REMARKS

I, personally and on behalf of Lapin Law Offices, would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all those who have served and sacrificed. I ask you join us in honoring and giving thanks to our service men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.  In addition, we recognize and acknowledge your families, who bear more personally than the Country, the burden of your sacrifice. As President Truman so wisely stated, the commitment of all those who have given their lives in service to this Country will never be forgotten.