Honor Our Heroes. Remember Their Sacrifices.​​​​​​​

In the midst of all the BBQ’s, beach trips, mini vacations, etc., it can be easy to forget that Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of Summer.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and remembering the people who have died while serving in the U.S. Military.

But how and when exactly did the day of remembrance originate?

We’ve rounded up some Memorial Day facts for this day that is so near and dear to our hearts.

1. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day:

Many Americans in the late 1860’s had begun hosting tributes to the war's fallen soldiers by decorating their graves and with flowers and flags. It gradually came to be known as Memorial Day over the years.

2. Memorial Day in May:

Union General John A. Logan called for an official nationwide day of remembrance on May 30, 1868, a date chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of a particular battle. 100 years later, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and become an official federal holiday in 1971.

3. Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day:

Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, whereas Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

4. Flags:

Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in National Cemeteries. In addition, the President requests that all governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico direct the flag to be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels.

5. Remembrance Act:

The National Moment of Remembrance Act was signed in 2000, which asks Americans to pause and observe a National Moment of Remembrance Act 3:00 p.m. local time.

What will you be doing this weekend to commemorate? Many people visit cemeteries and memorials. There are so many things to do in San Diego to honor our fallen, see a few highlights below.