In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the birthplace of Memorial Day. A ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff.

By the end of the 1800s, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities. It wasn’t until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, it was set to be celebrated on the last Monday in May.

The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend current Memorial Day services, about 5,000 people. Since the annual services began, small American flags have been placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries.

I am honored to have been chosen to deliver the keynote address at the Higginsville Veteran’s Cemetery for this year’s Memorial Day service. It is humbling to reflect on the sacrifices that our veterans have made to both our state and country, it is always a pleasure.

The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in the earliest writings, the beginning of recorded history. The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago that could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars. In recent years, the importance to remembering and honoring the sacrifice of our fallen heroes has become a more prevalent event. There are few people who have not been impacted by the deployment of, death of a service member in the line of duty, or work of our soldiers. This has raised awareness, and overall appreciation for those who have fallen and fight today.

Memorial day is about honoring and remembering the sacrifices of those who died while proudly wearing an American flag on the arm of their service uniform. They are the bravest of the brave, the true heroes of our society. I hope you will join me in honoring them, not just on Memorial Day weekend, but every day.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.