GREENSBORO, N.C. — As Memorial Day draws near, don't forget what it's all about. It's a day of remembrance.
Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the United States military.
It's a day to recognize the sacrifices made, and the legacies left behind.
The holiday began three years after the Civil War ended and was known as Decoration Day. It was a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers from both sides of the war. The designated date was may 30th.
As the United States found itself in the middle of another major conflict, World War I, the holiday changed to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars.
Then in 197, Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday in May, as it became an official federal holiday.
If you would like to honor the true spirit of Memorial Day, there are some things you can do.
One, is if you know a gold star family or someone that lost a service member in action, reach out to them. Ask them about their loved ones, who they were, and about their commitment to our country.
Help these families remember and honor their loved ones, and then carry those memories with you.
Another thing you can do is attend one of the Memorial Day events happening across the Triad like the parade in downtown Thomasville (5/27 starting at 10 a.m.) or the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Guilford County Veterans Memorial in Greensboro (5/27 starting at 2 p.m.).