An American flag is placed at every grave site at Arlington National Cemetery, and other national cemeteries around the country, in honor of Memorial Day.

HOLT, Fla., May 29, 2017–Memorial Day today typically means three-day weekends, store sales, picnics, the last day of school for some and the start of summer.

However, that wasn’t why this day was established.

Memorial Day had its beginnings as Decoration Day after the Civil War as a day to remember Union soldiers who died during the war. It was celebrated on May 30, regardless of the day of the week.

After World War I, it was broadened to include fallen service men and women who died in any war or military action.

In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holidays Bill was signed into law to forever change Memorial Day to the last Monday of May. The act took effect in 1971.

Since then, many patriotic Americans take time out to remember fallen military members who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Area Memorial Day Ceremonial Events

Crestview Wreath-laying Ceremony
10 a.m.
Live Oak Cemetery

Crestview Flanders Field Dedication
11 a.m.
American Legion Post 75
898 East James Lee Blvd.

Milton Memorial Day Ceremony
10-11:30 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Plaza, Willing Street
Guest speaker: Col. David Morris, deputy commodore of the Navy’s Training Air Wing 5

Ceremony at Beale Memorial Cemetery
11 a.m.
Guest speaker: Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander, Air Force Special Operations Command

Navarre Memorial Day Ceremony
11 a.m.
Navarre Park, 8513 Navarre Parkway
Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts 4407 and 11367, and  American Legion Post 382 hosting

Niceville/Valprasio Memorial Day Ceremony
11 a.m.
Doolittle Memorial Park, John Sims Parkway
Guest speakers: Mayor Bruce Arnold, Niceville Mayor Pro Tem Heath Rominger, retired Lt. Col. Joseph M. Arthur, formerly of the 919th Special Operations Wing

Village of Baytowne Wharf Patriotic Tribute
7 p.m., Events Plaza
Guest speaker: Maj. Mark Ward, 96th Maintenance Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base
Live music, fireworks