Tomorrow is Memorial Day. It’s the day we remember all of those who gave their lives in service to this nation while serving in the military. Memorial Day started during the Civil War, but wasn’t officially recognized as a Federal Holiday until 1971. Started in 1868 as Decoration Day by General John Logan due to flowers being in bloom. The General wanted to put flowers on all the graves of servicemen who died during the Civil War. following WW1, it was expanded to honor all the Servicemen who lost their lives in all wars.
This weekend is also a sports fans dream, the NBA Playoffs are in full swing, the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are going on, Baseball is in full swing, The Sunday is the Indy 500 and Nascar’s longest Race, The Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. It’s a weekend for family and BBQ’s.
As the websites “Resident Veteran”, I get asked to write this post every year. For me, it means remembering those who died before me, My Step-Father Norman Ross(A WW2 Veteran), Col. William Higgins(My stepsisters Husband, and the reason I joined the US Navy), and way to many others to name, who meant something to their families and friends.
So when you are watching the Memorial Day Parade in your town on Monday, May 25, 2026, remember this is not a happy day, its a day of remembrance, one than honors all those who gave their lives in defense of this nation over its 250 year history.
Here I am with General Carl Mundy(Commandant of the US Marine Corps) and General Colin Powell(Chairman of the JCS) at Andrews Air Force Base on the day Beruit CIA Station Chief William Buckley and Col William Higgins.
Jon Tessler
US Navy 1984-1993
