Kelly in Kansas

Soundoff! Article: MEMORIAL TRIBUTES: "Memorial Day for most Americans, it is a day of remembrance - a time to honor the dead, particularly the men and women who gave their lives to preserve freedom.

This day of tribute first began as Decoration Day and was first observed May 30, 1868. It was born out of the Civil War when relatives and friends of soldiers slain in battle visited the graves and decorated them with flowers.

In 1882, the name Decoration Day was changed to Memorial Day, and in 1971, it was declared a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May each year.

Although age or involvement may play a part in which military conflict a person remembers, most Americans have been touched in some way by the valor of the more than two million men and women who have died in service to their country.

Across the nation, in cities large and small, individuals young and old remember those who served and died in various ways. Friends and relatives often get together and share memories or participate in memorial services.

And others travel to grave sites where some of the most solemn moments are spent in quiet remembrance of those who fought and paid the highest price for freedom - their lives."