Memorial Day: Pause, Reflect, Remember By: Gloria Calhoun, M.Ed. Nationally, Americans are preparing to celebrate this holiday weekend leading up to what is known as Memorial Day.  Each year, it is observed on the last Monday in May to commemorate all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season. This year, things will look a little differently due to the world health crisis. Nonetheless, I urge you to pause to remember.  It was originally known as Decoration Day back in the civil war period. This day was observed to memorialize the over 625,000 soldiers who died at war.  History recalls the first Decoration Day was in the spring of 1865 when the beautiful port city of Charleston, S.C., lay in ruin. Among the first soldiers to enter and march up Meeting Street singing liberation songs was the 21st United States Colore...