(RepublicanPress.org) – Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and was held for those who lost their lives during the Civil War. But after two major wars and more deaths, the US government rethought the date. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, making Memorial Day an official federal holiday. The change, in effect since 1971, expanded to honor all fallen US soldiers.
On May 27, this year’s Memorial Day, Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Cori Bush (D-MO) each posted a message on social media about the day. However, they used their voices to honor veterans and advocate for better care of US soldiers. While that is an important issue, the message better fits Veterans Day, giving the impression that the two lawmakers were unclear about the point of Memorial Day — to honor the fallen. They both reportedly deleted their posts.
Veteran’s Day — the original Armistice Day — occurs on November 11, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress marked the day for observance, and it became a national holiday 12 years later. That day is to give thanks to living veterans who serve or have served the United States through military service and honor all military members, dead and alive. Memorial Day is only reserved for the deceased.
Conservative personality Ian Miles Cheong mocked Omar and Bush for the misstep on social media, asking where Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was with her message.
President Joe Biden spent the day at Arlington National Cemetary, saying a few words at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and laying a wreath, as is tradition. While the holiday is meant to be a somber time to reflect on those who died defending the United States, most people in America gather for cookouts and spend time with family and friends on their day off from work.
After deleting their posts, Omar and Bush made no further comments about their apparent confusion about the day’s purpose.
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