Memorial Day: Honoring Sacrifice Through History and Remembrance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — May 26, 2025

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a solemn occasion to honor the brave men and women who died serving in the U.S. military. From its origins as Decoration Day after the Civil War to its modern significance, this holiday reflects a nation’s gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In Jacksonville, Florida, Derya joins the community in remembering and honoring the fallen, while we explore the holiday’s history and the role of firearms in the conflicts it commemorates.

Born from the ashes of the Civil War (1861–1865), Memorial Day began as Decoration Day. With over 620,000 military deaths, communities held tributes to decorate soldiers’ graves with flowers. In 1868, General John A. Logan declared May 30 as a day to honor Union soldiers, leading to the first national observance at Arlington National Cemetery. Early ceremonies in places like Charleston, South Carolina, and Waterloo, New York, helped shape the holiday, which expanded after World War I to honor all fallen U.S. service members.

By 1890, Northern states recognized Decoration Day, while Southern states held separate tributes for Confederate soldiers. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 established Memorial Day as a federal holiday on the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend. Today, traditions include the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., cemetery ceremonies, and the red poppy, inspired by the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields.”

The sacrifices honored on Memorial Day are tied to America’s conflicts, shaped by the evolution of firearms:

• Civil War: Muzzle-loading muskets like the Springfield Model 1861 and the Minié ball increased lethality, contributing to high casualties.
• World War I: Bolt-action rifles like the M1903 Springfield and machine guns enabled trench warfare’s devastating toll.
• World War II: The semi-automatic M1 Garand and submachine guns enhanced firepower.
• Korea and Vietnam: Automatic rifles like the M16 defined jungle combat.
• Modern Conflicts: The M4 carbine and sniper systems reflect precision in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Each advancement in firearms technology has made warfare more deadly, underscoring the immense sacrifices of those we honor.

In Jacksonville, home to Naval Air Station Jacksonville and a vibrant veteran community, Derya shares a heartfelt message: “Happy Memorial Day, remembering and honoring.” While the phrase “happy” may seem light, Derya’s intent is to express gratitude and solemn respect for the fallen. Jacksonville’s ceremonies at the Jacksonville National Cemetery and local parades reflect this spirit, encouraging all to pause and reflect on the cost of freedom.

To honor the fallen, consider these actions:

• Attend a local Memorial Day ceremony or parade.
• Volunteer to place flags at a veterans’ cemetery.
• Pause at 3 p.m. for the National Moment of Remembrance.
• Learn about a fallen service member’s story.

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that have secured our freedoms. From its Civil War origins to today’s nationwide observances, the holiday unites us in gratitude. The evolution of firearms highlights the changing nature of the wars that claimed these lives, while Derya’s message from Jacksonville reminds us to honor and remember. This May 26, 2025, let us pause to say, “We remember, we honor, we thank you.”

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, with operations in Türkiye, Derya is a leading manufacturer of high-quality firearms. Visit www.derya.us for more information.