Happy Saturday! Hello, long weekend!

It’s memorial weekend and if your month of May has been anything like mine, you may be looking forward to slowing down and finding time to rebalance. Or perhaps you are meeting up with family and friends for the traditional BBQ parties by the pool or beach to commemorate this Monday. 

A brief google search this morning brought up big sales events happening across the country. But beyond the latest tech deal or best sales, lies an important reason why banks and most workplaces are closed in observance of this day. 

Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May to remember, honor and mourn military personnels who have died serving the US military. 

Did you know that nearly 500, 000 died in the Civil War? It is because of this staggering number that in 1868 that General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil Water veterans called for a nationwide day for remembrance. 

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land

General John A. Logan

It was later adopted into law and officially called Memorial Day in 1971 and declared a national holiday.  Learn more about it’s history here. 

“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example”

Benjamin Disraeli

To all that served in the military and lost your life to keep this country and our world safe, I remember you.  For your courage, your dedication and willingness to give your life so that we could live in peace. 

Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.

– Barack Obama

And for those that continue to serve today, thank you for your service. 

Whether you are staying home or traveling to commemorate this day, I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend.