In Memoriam
By Osvaldo Castillo
El Observador

Many of us will be partying long and hard this upcoming three-day weekend.  The carne asada, hot dogs and burgers will be on the grill, and the beer will be kept cold in an icebox.
However, Memorial Day is not only an excuse to party, it is an opportunity to give thanks to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so what we can enjoy our way of life and privileges here in the United States.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on the 30th of May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I, when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.
Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on each gravesite at national cemeteries.
Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.
Though many of us may not agree with the role our country has played in the world this past decade, many of us know or are related to someone who has recently served the nation. 
So enjoy this extended weekend with your friends and family. And if you run into someone in uniform, shake their hand and say Thank You.