Today is Memorial Day here in the USA. I urge everyone to take a moment and reflect on who and what we are remembering today.
The last Monday in May has been observed nationwide as a day to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our military since 1868.
Originally called "Decoration Day" (as flowers were used to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers), the date of observance was chosen not as the anniversary of a particular battle, but because it would be the optimal date for flowers to be in bloom.
The name "Memorial Day" was adopted in 1882, but not officially declared by Federal law until 1967.
As he has for the past 7 Memorial Day observances, President Obama laid a wreath today at the Tomb of the Unknowns to honor members of the military who died serving their country.
Speaking to a large crowd, Obama called for Americans to honor the fallen by caring for those they leave behind - their families and their battle buddies who come home.
"We need to be there not just when we need them, but when they need us," Obama said of the nation's veterans.
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