Q: What is the history behind Memorial Day?
A: The roots of Memorial Day date back to the years just after the Civil War. Following the Civil War, a group of Union Veterans known as the Grand Army of the Republic annually honored the fallen Union soldiers. Many of the veterans within the Grand Army of the Republic were also federal employees. Rather than forcing these employees to take a day off without pay, the Congress established a federal holiday known as Decoration Day. The purpose of Decoration Day was to allow all federal employees the opportunity to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. After its initial establishment, Decoration Day came to include not only fallen soldiers from the Civil War, but all of America’s fallen soldiers. As the day began to incorporate soldiers from different eras, many communities began to refer to the day as Memorial Day. In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday law, which officially named the holiday Memorial Day and permanently changed its observance from May 30th to the last Monday in May.
Q: What does Memorial Day mean to you?
A: Since our Founding Fathers declared independence, we have had brave men and women answer the call of duty. Those who answer the call fight to protect American values and ensure freedom for not only the present generation but all the generations to come. Memorial Day offers Americans the opportunity to recognize those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We remember their acts of heroism and pay tribute to their selflessness. In 2004, President George W. Bush dedicated the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. In conjunction with this dedication, I hosted a reception in my Senate Office for Iowans who visited Washington to see the new memorial. World War II helped foster what’s been called the “Greatest Generation.” This generation will be noted for its patriotism and its ability to bring together a nation whose freedom had been threatened. World War II showed us that the strength of our nation comes with great sacrifice. While times have changed, the threats to our nation have continued. This generation, like the generations before them, has answered the call in this time of need. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those serving in the Global War on Terrorism. They remind us that freedom is not free, and for that we owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude. This Memorial Day, I hope Americans will recognize the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers past and present. It’s also my hope they will instill an appreciation of military service in their children. By doing so, they will make sure we continue to honor our men and women in uniform.