Memorial Day: The True Meaning of Home
Updated: 3 days ago
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for military families it often lands right in the middle of PCS season. Moving trucks fill the neighborhoods and the boxes pile up. As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I spend this season helping families find their next home. But I never forget what this day is for: remembering the men and women who died serving our country.
How Memorial Day began
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day. In the years during and after the Civil War, communities in the North and South decorated soldiers' graves with flowers each spring. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued General Orders No. 11, calling for a national day of remembrance on May 30, a date chosen so flowers would be in bloom across the country.
The first national Decoration Day was held on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, just down the road from where I live and work. Over time, "Memorial Day" became the common name, and the day came to honor Americans who died in all wars. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, passed in 1968 and effective in 1971, made it a national holiday on the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day is not Veterans Day
The two are easy to mix up, and the difference matters to military families:
Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) honors those who died in military service.
Veterans Day (November 11) thanks everyone who has served, living or deceased.
Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May) honors those serving now.
That's why "Thank you for your service" can land awkwardly on Memorial Day. Remembering a name, a story or a family is usually the better gesture.
Ways to honor the fallen
Pause at 3 p.m. local time for the National Moment of Remembrance, a minute of silence set aside for those who died in service.
Fly your flag correctly. On Memorial Day the flag flies at half-staff until noon, then is raised to full staff.
Visit a cemetery or memorial. Bring flowers or a flag, or simply walk the rows and read the names.
Support Gold Star families. Groups like the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) care for the families of the fallen year-round.
Teach the next generation. Share the story of someone who served, or explain the day to your kids before the cookout starts.
Welcome the newcomers. The family that just moved onto your block this summer may be far from their own people. A simple hello helps.
Memorial Day in Northern Virginia
Few places carry this day the way Northern Virginia does. Arlington National Cemetery holds a national observance each Memorial Day, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon Memorial are all close by. The National Museum of the Marine Corps near Quantico is another meaningful visit. If you're new to the area, check the Arlington National Cemetery events page before you go. Crowds and security can be heavy.
The true meaning of home
In my work, we talk about square footage, interest rates and contracts every day. But a house is just wood and brick. Home is the safety and freedom to raise a family in peace, and that freedom was paid for by people who never made it back to their own front doors. This Memorial Day, enjoy your family and fire up the grill. Then take a moment to remember why we can.
If you're moving to the area this summer, my PCS to Northern Virginia guide is a good place to start.
Sources: VA National Cemetery Administration, Memorial Day history, Presidential Memorial Day proclamation (half-staff until noon; 3 p.m. moment of remembrance), 4 U.S.C. § 6, flag display days.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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