Memorial Day Weekend is here and while it marks the unofficial start of the summer, it's also a time to remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Originally called Decoration Day, it was first widely observed in 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. In 1873, New York became the first state to make Memorial Day a legal holiday and by the late 1800s, many other states followed suit in designating Memorial Day as a legal holiday.
After World War I, Memorial Day then became a day for honoring those who died in all of America's wars and was more widely celebrated by the American public.
In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and declared that Memorial Day should be commemorated on the last Monday of May.
Audacy Virginia wants to thank all who have served and sacrificed for our country and we hope you get to enjoy some time with your loved ones!