Remember and honor the fallen this Memorial Day - by Sylvia Hensley

General John Logan established Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) on May 5^th, 1868. The first observance was the 30^th of May 1868 when flowers were place on the graves of Union and Confederate Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It is felt this day was chosen because flowers would be blooming across the nation. Today at Arlington the 3^rd US Infantry places a small American flag at each gravestone then patrols 24 hours a day during the weekend to make sure each flag remains standing. Observance of Memorial has decreased over the years with many Americans forgetting the meaning of this day. To help remind Americans of its importance a resolution called National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed in December of 2000. Americans are asked to pause from whatever they are doing at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to our nation. Please take a moment today to remember those who have given our country the ultimate sacrifice.