Honoring the Fallen

At Quarter Millennial, our mission is to celebrate the spirit of American patriotism as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. As we observe Memorial Day on May 26, 2025, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This day is more than a long weekend—it’s a time to reflect on the cost of liberty and the heroes who rest in veterans’ cemeteries across our nation. Join us in exploring the history of Memorial Day, its distinction from other military holidays, and the enduring symbolism of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Origins of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began in the wake of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed over 600,000 American lives. In 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic, established May 30 as a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, a tradition rooted in communities across the North and South. The first major observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery, where thousands gathered to honor the Union and Confederate dead.

Over time, Decoration Day evolved to commemorate all Americans who died in military service, regardless of the conflict. In 1967, it was officially renamed Memorial Day, and in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act set it as the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend. Today, Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made to secure our freedoms, from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts.

Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, and Veterans Day: Understanding the Differences

While Memorial Day is often associated with honoring the military, it’s distinct from other holidays that celebrate service members. Here’s how they differ:

• Memorial Day (last Monday in May): A day to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military. It’s a time to remember the fallen, from soldiers in the Civil War to those lost in recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May): This holiday celebrates those currently serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. It’s a tribute to active-duty personnel protecting our nation today.
• Veterans Day (November 11): Observed to honor all who have served in the U.S. military, whether living or deceased. It coincides with Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, and recognizes the contributions of all veterans.

Understanding these distinctions helps us appreciate the unique significance of each holiday and the diverse ways we honor our military community.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Symbol of Sacrifice

At the heart of Arlington National Cemetery lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument dedicated to unidentified American service members who gave their lives. Established in 1921, the Tomb initially held the remains of an unknown soldier from World War I. Later, unknowns from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War were interred, though advances in DNA testing identified the Vietnam Unknown in 1998, leaving that crypt symbolically empty.

The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” The sentinels’ precision and dedication reflect the nation’s gratitude for those who remain nameless but never forgotten. The inscription, “Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known But to God,” captures the solemnity of their sacrifice.

This tradition of honoring the unidentified fallen is not unique to the United States. Many nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and others, maintain their own Tombs of the Unknown Soldier or similar memorials. These monuments, often located in capital cities or national cemeteries, serve as universal symbols of gratitude for those who gave everything for their country, uniting nations in shared remembrance.

Veterans’ Cemeteries: Sacred Grounds of Remembrance

Across the United States, over 150 national cemeteries serve as the final resting places for our nation’s heroes. Arlington National Cemetery, with over 400,000 graves, is perhaps the most iconic, but other cemeteries, like Calverton National Cemetery in New York or Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas, also hold deep significance. These sacred grounds are maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration, ensuring that those who served are honored with dignity.

On Memorial Day, many visit these cemeteries to place flags, wreaths, or poppies—a flower symbolizing remembrance since World War I. These acts of tribute connect us to the sacrifices of those who believed in the ideals of liberty and justice that Quarter Millennial celebrates.

Gratitude This Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect at a local veterans’ cemetery, attend a community ceremony, or simply pause to remember those who gave everything for our nation. Their sacrifice paved the way for the freedoms we cherish as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. 🇺🇸