Heartfelt thanks,

on this Memorial Day to every person who has served our country.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day (for decorating the graves of the Civil War dead, which decimated over 600,000 Americans, nearly 2% of the total population of the Union and Confederacy), but at the turn of the 19th century it was designated as Memorial Day.

Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868. In 1971 its observance was extended to honor all soldiers who died in American wars. At Arlington National Cemetery a wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and each grave is decorated with a small American flag.

Today let us all join in thanks to those who continue to serve our country.

Update Via Maria, Victor Davis Hanson writes about Iraq, A war to be proud of.

(technorati memorial day)