The true meaning of Memorial Day

(WPRI) - This Monday, many Americans will spend a day off from work or school going to parades, attending barbecues or taking advantage of Memorial Day sales. But, how many will actually stop to remember the true meaning of the holiday?

Ask any military family who has lost a family member to war or a person who has a loved one deployed overseas and they will likely tell you Memorial Day is not a celebration. It's not a happy day. It was never intended as the unofficial start to summer or a big day for race fans. It's a somber occasion meant to honor the men and women who have died in service of the country.

• Memorial Day Coverage

"Many people look at it as a time to relax, have a hamburger and enjoy a parade," said retired Lt. Gen. Reginald Centracchio, Rhode Island National Guard . "We've basically forgotten the main reason for Memorial Day; and that's to really remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

The holiday, originally called Decoration Day, started in the Civil War era; when the graves of those killed in action were adorned with wreaths. In 1971, Congress declared it a national holiday to be observed the last Monday in May. Since then, many veterans groups have lobbied for a return to the traditional observance of May 30, saying the creation of the national holiday further eroded the day's meaning.

"Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day," the VFW said in a 2002 Memorial Day address.

In order to remind Americans about the true meaning of Memorial Day, President Bill Clinton in 2000 issued the National Moment of Remembrance resolution. It asked all Americans to "voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps.'"

• Other ways to observe Memorial Day

So, while it's okay to enjoy a day off from work or school to go to a parade, attend a barbecue, or take advantage of those sales; why not take a quiet moment to remember those who sacrificed it all for all of us. It's the least we can do.