Let’s Not Forget Those Who Served

The members of the Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Inc. wish everyone a safe Memorial Day honoring our family and friends who served and are serving our nation.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and honors the fallen men and women of the U.S. armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began during the Civil War. Families placed flowers on the graves of those who were killed in battle. After the end of the Civil War, many cities continued the tradition of placing flowers on the graves. A few years later, in 1868, a national holiday on May 30 was promoted. After WWI, May 30 was observed in honor of all who died in all US wars and became known as Memorial Day. In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Many Americans observe this day by visiting cemeteries or memorials; holding family gatherings; and participating in parades. We should all remember that we are a free democracy because of the sacrifices of all those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts.

The DAR is a non-profit women’s service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education and patriotism. Any woman over 18 who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who served in the American Revolution is a prospective member. For more information on the DAR visit http://www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution asks everyone to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States of America and the Patriots that achieved American Independence. For more information visit https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/