Memorial Day began as a holiday set aside to honor the men and woman who sacrificed their lives in American military service.  Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in aftermath of the Civil War after a proclamation by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic that a day be set aside to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.  Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 ensuring that Americans honor those who died defending her. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries, attending parades, and hosting family gatherings.
<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/61qtHkY1ROL.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6836" title="61qtHkY1ROL" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/61qtHkY1ROL-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>You can also celebrate by learning more about our nation’s heroic service men and women in these notable new best-sellers:
“American Sniper” by Chris Kyle
Gripping and unforgettable, Kyle’s masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of the great war memoirs of all time.
“Unbroken” by Lauren Hillenbrand
A World War II story of survival, resilience and redemption
“Seal Team Six” by Howard E. Wasdin
In this dramatic, behind-the-scenes chronicle, Howard Wasdin takes readers deep inside the world of Navy SEALS and Special Forces snipers.