More than just bbq, family time, & the kick-off to summer, Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. The purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

In 1950 Congress agreed upon a resolution asking the president to "issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe...Memorial Day, by praying, each in accordance with his religious faith, for permanent peace." 20 years later in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was finally passed, which declared that Memorial Day would take place on the last Monday in May and required that federal employees be granted a day off. In 1971, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday intended to observe and honor the people who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.