An essay by Andrew Bass
5th grader from the North Hanover Township Schools

Memorial Day celebrates the remembrance of the men and women who have died serving the USA. Whether they died serving or died after service, they are all remembered. Their lives, time, and effort were the cost of freedom. The day should be used to think back on those who served and their ultimate sacrifice. Some people take the time during Memorial Day to BBQ, relax, and play video games. Each Memorial Day I feel we should always do something nice to celebrate or recall those who served our country and died.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is a day to remember fallen members of the U.S. military. People decorate graves of loved ones with flags, colorful poppies and things the service member liked in life. Poppies are a blood red flower that have been long known as a symbol of peace and death. Other people have pool parties and other outdoor activities. They have the ability to do those things because our perished service members fought for their freedom. When Memorial Day was called Decoration Day it was because people were decorating the graves of the dead Civil War soldiers. In 1976, Decoration Day was changed to Memorial Day. Honoring a fallen member of the U.S. Military is very respectful, especially to the ones who took their last breath before being killed in war. They truly gave a huge sacrifice by leaving their homes, family, and community to fight for our country.

In conclusion, Memorial Day is a holiday that celebrates our perished service members that gave America its freedom. Everyone each year should show their appreciation for the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I personally hope every American this Memorial Day does something big or small to honor the work of our American heroes.