Memorial Day: More Than the Start of Summer
As Memorial Day approaches once again, I think it is important to pause and reflect on the true purpose of the day. Somewhere between cookouts, cabin openings, lawn projects, and sales advertisements, the meaning of Memorial Day can become blurred. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying time with family and friends, we should remember why the holiday exists in the first place.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who died in service to our nation. It is not Veterans Day, which honors all who served, nor is it Armed Forces Day, which recognizes those currently serving. Memorial Day specifically honors those who never made it home.
The origins of Memorial Day date back to the years following the Civil War, when communities gathered to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Originally known as Decoration Day, it became a national observance after World War I to honor American military personnel lost in all wars and conflicts. The tradition of placing flags at Veterans’ graves continues today in communities across the country, including here on the North Shore.
For many Veterans and Gold Star Families, Memorial Day carries a deeply personal meaning. It is a reminder of friends, family members, teammates, and fellow service members whose lives ended far too soon. Memorial Day is not meant to glorify war. Rather, it is intended to recognize the cost of freedom and the sacrifices made by ordinary Americans who answered the call to serve.
One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day is to take a moment of silence. At 3:00 p.m. local time, the National Moment of Remembrance encourages Americans to pause briefly in honor of the fallen. Sometimes the most powerful gesture is simply remembering.
Another meaningful tradition is visiting cemeteries and memorials. Across Lake and Cook Counties, volunteers will once again place flags on the graves of Veterans. These small acts of service help ensure that no one is forgotten. A name on a headstone represents a life lived, a family impacted, and a sacrifice made on behalf of all of us.
The annual Two Harbors Community Memorial Day Program will be held Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Two Harbors High School auditorium. The Two Harbors City Band will begin playing at 9:30 a.m., with the formal program beginning at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will then move to Van Hoven Park – Edna G and conclude at Lakeview Cemetery Veterans Section likely before or around noon.
Whether you attend a local program, place a flag, visit a cemetery, or simply pause for a moment of reflection, I encourage everyone to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. Freedom has never been free.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall, Lake County Veterans Service Officers, 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson, Cook County Veterans Service Officer, 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
