UNITED STATES – Today as we remember Memorial Day in what it stands for, now as a Federal holiday, we are reminded by those who have sacrificed so much in light of this U.S. event. It is about those who have passed before us both serving in the military and for some, as a first responder.

It is always observed on the last Monday in May.

Memorial Day was formerly known as Decoration Day, originally beginning in the years following the Civil War and became a federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades.

Decoration Day was created on May 30th of 1868, after a call by General John A. Logan, a leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans to designate to strew with flowers or otherwise decorate the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion and who bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land, he was quoted as saying.

General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery on the first Decoration Day and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there.

In today’s day and age, we will remember all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who lost their loved ones. Here are some of the stories of 1st Responders who have lost their lives and served in the military.

Ret. NYPD Det. Luis Alvarez

Luis Alvarez was a retired NYPD Detective and a proud U.S. Marine veteran who passed away on June 29, 2019, after succumbing to advanced-stage colorectal cancer as a result of his work at Ground Zero in New York following the 9/11 attacks.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick

Officer Sicknick, 42, was a U.S. Capitol Police Officer who served in the New Jersey Air National Guard and passed away on January 6, 2021, after responding to the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. His many sacrifices were highlighted to show his long commitment to the military and as a first responder to protecting democracy and his communities.

Firefighter Christopher Slutman

Firefighter Slutman was a decorated Marine Corps veteran who also served as a firefighter. He died in April of 2019 while serving as a Marine Reservist in Afghanistan. He was committed to both the military duty and as a first responder.

Firefighter Michael Haub

Firefighter Huab was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who lost his life on September 11, 2001, when he was off-duty rushed to the World Trade Center to help. His legacy reminds even to this day of his commitment as a first responder and military veteran.

Never Forget. Always Remembered.

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