In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May. Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers (PBS, n.d.). Today is a solemn day of remembrance, reflection, and reinvigoration.
We remember the loved ones we have lost and others who have given their lives through service. We reflect on the freedoms we enjoy throughout our lives, living in the United States of America. We are reinvigorated through celebration and acknowledgement of the sacrifices of others by continuing their legacies through how we choose to live in peace and harmony.
There are never enough words to say, emotions to show, or deeds to be done for us to prove our sincere gratitude to those who have given their lives so we could enjoy freedoms like no other country on earth. While there are surely things that need fixing in our country, we live in the greatest country on earth because of our men and women in uniform.
Many of our TSA brothers and sisters have worn or still wear the uniform, yet today, we honor those we have lost protecting this country and its freedoms. Still, we honor all our siblings in the armed forces every day. Although we consistently offer these letters periodically, every year, expressing our thanks never gets old, tiresome, or redundant; it only gets stronger!
In Peace and Unity,
AFGE Council 100
Hydrick Thomas, President | Mac Johnson, Council Executive Vice President | Johnny Jones, Council Secretary-Treasurer | Shabay Izquierdo, Region 1 V.P. | John Hubert, Region 2 V.P. | Janis Casey, Region 3 V.P. | Becky Mancha, Region 4 V.P. | Greg Biel, Region 5 V.P. | Bobby Orozco Jr., Region 6 V.P. | Joe Shuker, Region 7 V.P. | Victor Payes Martinez, Fair Practices Coordinator | Concetta Fialkowski, Women’s Coordinator | Christopher Blessing, AFGE Council 100 Attorney