It was 143 years ago today – just a few short years after America’s War Between the States – that an official day was first observed for placing flowers or other items of remembrance at the graves of soldiers who had died during that devastating conflict.
The observance was originally called Decoration Day.
But over time, it was renamed Memorial Day, and it came to be an occasion for remembering the men and women who have died in military service during all of our country’s wars.
Today, many Americans will have picnics or barbecues with friends and family. Others may view colorful displays of fireworks.
There is certainly nothing wrong with any of that.