Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who’ve given their life in military service to our country. It will be celebrated this year on Mon., May 30.
Established in 1868 to recognize the thousands of soldiers who died in the Civil War, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday in 1971 to honor any U.S. soldier who died in battle.
Memorial Day, though, is about more than simply remembering those killed in combat. For many, it is a day to reflect on the incredible sacrifices made by the men and women who fought for our country’s freedoms.
That need to reflect has a particular poignancy this year, as it marks not only the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, but also the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and our war in Afghanistan.
It’s appropriate this Monday to think not only about the U.S. soldiers killed in battle but also about the more than 3,000 civilians who lost their lives in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania that infamous September day and the rescue workers who bravely gave their own lives to save others.
What’s more, this is a time when thousands of the men and women who fought in World War II are fading into history. No, they did not die in battle, but the black and white photographs of them as young and patriotically passionate soldiers bear witness to how much they gave to defend our country.
We ask that you take a moment on Monday to think about those who made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard our freedom.
For those who would like to attend a Memorial Day ceremony:
•Conejo Mountain Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road in Camarillo, will host a Memorial Day Ceremony May 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
•Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park will also present a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. May 30 in the Garden of Valor at the cemetery, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village.
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