photo source: author Memorial Day is a day for honoring military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle in the line of duty while serving the United States of America. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson and the United States Congress declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. A ceremony was held there on May 5, 1866, one hundered years earlier honoring local veterans who had died while serving in the Civil War. Businesses closed for the day and residents flew flags at half-staff. At the end of World War I, the day was expanded to include all those who had given their life in a war or conflict while defending the United States of America. Finally, in 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) of the United States Congress. Vietnam Monument - Washington, DC (photo by author) While enjoying a three day weekend, grilling ribs, going to the beach, taking that long beautiful ride thr