Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Our Lubbock, Texas, office will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th, 2025.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 26th, 2025. It’s important to pause and remember the true purpose of this holiday. Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer — it’s a solemn day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States military. They gave their life in protection of us.

Memorial Day traces its roots back to the aftermath of the Civil War, originally known as “Decoration Day.” The holiday began as a way for Americans to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. In 1971, Congress officially designated Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May, ensuring a three-day weekend that allows families across the nation to participate in remembrance activities.

Today, Memorial Day is observed through various meaningful traditions. Many Americans visit cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects, placing flowers and small American flags on the graves of fallen service members. Communities host parades featuring veterans, military families, and patriotic displays. At 3:00 PM local time, many observe the National Moment of Remembrance — a minute of silence to honor those who died in service to our country.

The holiday also marks the beginning of summer activities, but it’s crucial that we don’t lose sight of its deeper significance during barbecues and beach trips. The red poppies worn by many serve as a powerful symbol, inspired by the famous World War I poem “In Flanders Fields.”

As we enjoy the freedoms that define American life, Memorial Day reminds us that these liberties came at an extreme cost. The holiday calls us to remember not just the numbers, but the individual stories — sons and daughters, mothers and fathers who never returned home. Their sacrifice deserves our continuing gratitude and remembrance.