Happy Memorial Day

Beyond The Polls would like to wish its readers a Happy Memorial Day. While the day is most often associated now with barbecues, beaches opening, and the traditional start to summer, the holiday's origins are found in the years that immediately followed the Civil War. The day was originally known as Decoration Day, to honor the practice of decorating and commemorating the graves of Union soliders. New York was the first state to recognize the day in 1873. Memorial Day, intended to honor those who have fought valiantly for our country, was originally celebrated on May 30, but it was moved to its current day (last Monday in May) in the late 1960s.

We are blessed with freedom and liberty because of the sacrifices that were made for us over the last couple of centuries. So today, while we celebrate the holiday with our friends and family, it is worthwhile to take a minute to think about the wonderful men and women who made it all possible. Happy Memorial Day!