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A Time To Pause and Reflect

Memorial Day Tributes

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ignacio D. Perez, Defense Media Activity
24 May 2018 As the weather begins to heat up and May comes to an end, remember to pause for a moment, before heating up the grill or heading outside, to honor and remember those who have given their lives in service to the United States.
 
Originating after the civil war, Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day. Although many cities claim to be the first site of Memorial Day, president Lyndon B. Johnson officially recognized Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace in a 1966 presidential proclamation, after a local druggist suggested it would be nice for the city to honor the graves of loved ones and fallen comrades lost in the war by decorating them flowers and flags on May 5, 1866.

Whether it's with flowers, flags or just a moment of silence, please find time this Memorial Day to thank the service members who gave their lives to protect our freedoms and the nation.

For more information on the history of Memorial Day, click here
.