With a fun Memorial Day weekend coming up, it’s easy to lose sight of the meaning behind this holiday. Memorial Day is an opportunity for each of us to take a moment to remember the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services have made to defend our way of life.
Memorial Day was established by Major Gen. John A. Logan as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. It is believed the day was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The day became an official federal holiday in 1971 and has been observed on the last Monday in May ever since.
So, this Memorial Day as we celebrate the official start of summer with family and friends, let’s also honor the over 660,000 men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our country.
On behalf of Republic Services and the V.A.L.O.R. BRG, thank you for helping us celebrate Memorial Day. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!