For many Memorial Day has become a marker for the unofficial beginning of the summer season, when many public beaches and parks open and people start “going down the shore” here in New Jersey. But let’s not forget that Memorial Day is a day of honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving our country in the United States Armed Forces. Here are some facts regarding this holiday.

· It was formerly known as Decoration Day, named that because mourners decorated the graves of those who died with flowers and flags

· The first Decoration Day was held at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30th , 1868

· Initially it was a day to honor soldiers who died during the Civil War. After the first World War the holiday was extended to include all members of the armed forces who died while serving

· Memorial Day was held on May 30th until 1971. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968 and the change went into effect three years later

So, while you may be enjoying the day as the start of the summer season, although many Memorial Days are quite cold and raw, remember the original and true reason why the day is observed.