Monday was Memorial Day, a day set aside for honoring and remembering the men and women who died while serving in our country’s armed forces.

Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day, which originated after the Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.

The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day, but the name “Memorial Day” did not become more common until after World War II. It was not until 1967 that federal law established the official name of the holiday as Memorial Day.

An important and symbolic tradition related to Memorial Day is the placement of our country’s flag on that day. On Memorial Day morning, the flag is raised to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. This half-staff position memorializes the more than 1 million men and women who have given their lives in service for our country.

At noon, the flag is raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. At noon, the memory of those who gave their lives is raised by the living; the living resolve to not let their sacrifices be in vain, but to rise up and continue to fight for liberty and justice in their places.

On Saturday, May 25, Cub Scouts from local Pack 40, together with other local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Young Marines, took time out of their Memorial Day weekends to commemorate the men and women who courageously and selflessly gave their lives for all of us. The Cub Scouts learned about the real meaning of Memorial Day – that it’s not just about barbecues, parades and pool parties. The Scouts placed 5,600 flags on the graves of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary in Newhall, in preparation for Monday’s Memorial Day service.

We, as a nation, and we as individuals, owe a profound debt to the men and women who died while serving our country. We must never forget them; we must honor and commemorate them, and as part of that, we must also teach our children and grandchildren about them.

Linda Castro is a former attorney who is a nature enthusiast and animal lover.  She currently serves on the board of the SCV-based Community Hiking Club.  Her articles highlight local and community stories that are heartwarming, uplifting or inspirational.  If you have a story you’d like to share with her, contact her at poisonoak.linda@gmail.com.  Include photos if you’ve got them.