Fairfax, Virginia - We first celebrated Memorial Day after the American Civil War. Communities would gather in the local cemeteries to place flowers and decorations at the graves of fallen soldiers — hence the early designation of Decoration Day.

Fast forward a hundred years or so, 1967 to be specific, and Memorial Day was officially a holiday. A year later, federal law changed the date of recognition from May 30 to the last Monday in May — that's how we managed this three-day weekend.

To all those who have fought for our country, and all who have fallen for our country, we extend our gratitude.