Good company, good food and a long weekend traditionally mark the unofficial start of summer in the United States. As we collectively wait for the burgers and brats to grill, it’s important to keep in mind Memorial Day is about far more than warm weather and outdoor get-togethers.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a group of Union veterans decided to honor the fallen by placing flowers on the graves of war dead. The end of May was chosen as a time when flowers would be in bloom across the entirety of the states then making up the country.

By the time that happened in 1868, spring tributes to Civil War dead had already been taking place across the country. There is still dispute as to which was the first forerunner of what would become Memorial Day.

After World War I, events expanded to include all war dead. However, the day was still not an official national holiday.

It wasn’t until 1966 that anywhere would be cited officially as the site of the first Memorial Day. Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., to be the birthplace of the observance.

In 1971, Memorial Day, and the date of the last Monday in May, were officially recognized by the federal government.

In the more than 150 years since Confederate forces surrendered at Appomattox, Va., well over half a million U.S. soldiers have given their lives in service to their country. Many more have come home knowing full well the burden they carry to keep and honor those who weren’t so lucky in memory.

The least the rest of us can do this holiday weekend is to take time out of our celebrations to mark and remember those the day is truly intended to honor.

— JP