Memorial Day – Remembering and Honoring Our Veterans

Originating in the United States following the end of the Civil War in the spring of 1865, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971. Originally celebrated as ‘Decoration Day’, the first celebration was held on May 30^th, 1868, by a group of northern Civil War veterans at Arlington National Cemetery.

Following World War I, these celebrations adapted to honor American military personnel who died in all wars, and has grown to include World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over time, celebrations for Memorial Day have morphed and now include a variety of rituals, such as:

• Lowering American flags to half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raising it to the top
• Pausing for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm local time
• Wearing a red poppy
• Closing non-essential businesses and public offices/services
• Family get-togethers, including visiting cemeteries and gathering for meals

Perlo, joined by construction companies across the country, include veterans from all of our armed forces, including the US Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corp, Navy and the National Guard. We hold them all in high regard for their service to our country.

Today, we honor all of those who served and died in the line of duty. Our humble thanks to those individuals who gave everything for our freedom. From all of us, thank you.