People often spend Memorial Day enjoying the long weekend on vacation with family and friends, but make no mistake this special holiday is meant to honor the fallen.
People often confuse the meaning of Memorial Day with Veterans Day, which honors all veterans of the United States armed services, but Memorial Day recognizes the men and women who lost their lives in service.
The United States Marine Corps released a video to remind people of the holiday’s true purpose.
The video depicts six body bearers carrying the coffin of one of their fellow marines, draped in an American flag. After laying the fallen soldier to rest the marines remove the flag, fold it and say these words:
“On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Marine Corps and a grateful nation please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
Memorial Day is not only a day to honor the fallen, but also to remember the gold star families who lost their loved ones forever.
“Memorial Day weekend is for the fallen, and anyone who has ever heard these words,” the Marine Corps captioned the video.