For more than 150 years, Americans have set aside a day in late May to honor the sacrifice of our fallen veterans.

The first widely observed such day was May 30, 1868, as ordered by Grand Army of the Republic Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan. Called Decoration Day, it was set aside as a day to clean and decorate the graves of soldiers who had died during the U.S. Civil War.

The idea goes back even further, with some efforts to decorate the graves of the fallen happening even during the war itself.

Former Vietnam Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker, center, talks with Vietnam veterans at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington on May 30, 1983. The monument honors the nearly 57,900 who were killed in Vietnam. Associated Press File Photo

John Duricka

Many people think of Memorial Day as a long weekend and the unofficial kickoff of the summer season, but it is so much more than that. But in the nearly 160 years since the first Memorial Day, we’ve seen the price of freedom and are grateful to those who have willing to sacrifice themselves for our nation.

There are ways to keep the point of Memorial Day in your mind, even as you enjoy an extended weekend. In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which designated 3 p.m. as the time for a moment of silence to honor fallen veterans.

On Monday, take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice at 3 p.m.

You can also take part in one of the many parades, ceremonies and services scheduled for this weekend. But no matter what you do, take time to remember those whose devotion to their country included their very lives.

— JK