The Lost Meaning of Memorial Day Memorial Day's transformation from a somber remembrance to a jarring juxtaposition of reverence and revelry has been a long time coming.
As we mark the last Monday in May, it's worth examining how this holiday has evolved over the years and what's been lost along the way.
The holiday's origins are well documented: born out of the devastation of the Civil War, Memorial Day was initially intended as a day to honor the nation's fallen service members.