With Memorial Day approaching, many nationwide are getting ready to spend time with loved ones and honor those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
Communities across the United States come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Rooted in deep historical significance, Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the valor of those who have defended it.
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day emerged after the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other.
It was a time when families and friends decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, a tradition that continues to this day.
In 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday and placed on the last Monday in May, providing a three-day weekend for reflection and remembrance.
Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer.
It is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the courage and dedication of the men and women who have given their lives in service.
Across the country ceremonies and moments of silence are held to pay tribute to these heroes.
National cemeteries and local memorials become sites of quiet reverence, where families and citizens lay wreaths and flags, a testament to the gratitude felt by a nation.