This weekend, many of us will celebrate the beginning of summer with cookouts and swimming and get-togethers, but we would like to encourage everyone to take a moment this weekend to remember the men and women who have given their lives to defend our freedom to live, work and play in a free country.

The holiday had its unofficial beginning in the 1860s, when Americans began holding spring tributes to fallen soldiers from the Civil War. In 1868, General John A. Logan, the leader of an organization of northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance. That day, known as Decoration Day, was celebrated on May 30 of every year. The date was chosen for not corresponding with the anniversary of any battle. 

Decoration Day became an official state holiday in many states, and eventually became a day of remembrance for American soldiers who died in any war.

In 1968, Congress established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The act also established the date as a federal holiday.

Here in LaGrange, Memorial Day will be celebrated at Restlawn Memory Gardens at 11 a.m. on Monday. Flags will also be displayed at Shadowlawn Cemetery. The service will be sponsored by the West Georgia Veterans Council. Hogansville will also host a Memorial Day service on Monday at Calvin Hipp Memorial Park.

We encourage you to attend one of the services and remember our fallen heroes.