Please take some time today on Memorial Day to remember the men and women of the United States Military who are currently serving our country, those veterans who have done so in the past, those who gave their lives and their families From History.com:

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer…

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves…

More on Memorial Day from History.com. The Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America (IAVA) ask that you take the #GoSilent Pledge:

Go Silent this Memorial Day at 3:00 PM local time

This Memorial Day, IAVA will lay a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and later pause for a moment of silence at 3PM local. Gather your friends and family across the country and pause with us for a national moment of silence to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Here’s how Roosevelt Island honored our veterans during Veterans Day last year. Happy Memorial Day! UPDATE 12:15 PM:

Roosevelt Islander