This Memorial Day weekend, as you enjoy time with your loved ones, remember the brave members of our armed services who gave their lives in the line of duty. Memorial Day began in the 1860's as Decoration Day, which was commemorated by placing spring flowers at graves to honor those fallen in the Civil War. By the end of the 19th century, ceremonies were being held in cities across the country. In 1966, the Federal Government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.[1]
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, commemorates the holiday with the following statement:
"On this day of contemplation, we honor the troops who gave their lives to give us freedom. Today, I remember the Haitian soldiers who bravely fought with the union at the Battle of Savannah, and the countless future generations of troops who so bravely fought on the side of America. With so many unthinkable acts of violence happening nationwide, I pray for peace and unity this Memorial Day, and honor the lives lost in the name of freedom."
1) https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/memday.pdf