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As Americans gather for parades, backyard cookouts and the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day remains one of the nation’s most solemn observances — a day set aside to honor the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives in service to their country.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began in the years following the Civil War. Communities across the nation decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags in remembrance of their sacrifice. Over time, the observance expanded to honor all American service members who died in war.

Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971 and is observed annually on the last Monday in May.

Across the country, ceremonies will be held at cemeteries, memorials and veterans parks. American flags will wave over the graves of fallen heroes, while veterans organizations, local officials and community members pause to remember those who never returned home.

For many families, Memorial Day carries deep personal meaning. Gold Star families — those who have lost a loved one in military service — often spend the day reflecting on the sacrifices made by sons, daughters, spouses and parents who served with honor.

Military leaders and veterans organizations emphasize that Memorial Day differs from Veterans Day. While Veterans Day honors all who have served in the armed forces, Memorial Day specifically remembers those who died while defending the nation.

“Memorial Day is about remembrance,” said many veterans groups nationwide in annual messages leading up to the holiday. “Freedom comes with a cost, and this is a time to recognize those who paid the ultimate price.”

Many communities also observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute to reflect on the sacrifices of fallen service members.

In Michigan and throughout the Upper Peninsula, local Memorial Day parades and ceremonies continue traditions that stretch back generations. Veterans organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars often lead observances, joined by school bands, scouts and local residents.

Here in the Upper Peninsula, Memorial Day isn’t recognized with as much attention as the other two Summer Holidays — July 4th and Labor Day. True, there are solemn observances in most area communities, usually in cemeteries, but not the big parades and community festivities the other holidays feature. And maybe that’s appropriate. Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice is important, but hardly cause for celebration.

I remember as a child watching the small “parade” through “downtown” Rock to the cemetery. At one time there was a small “band” made up a handful of Legion members and other veterans. It was always a thrill watching my father, who never really showed any interest in music, playing the drums while marching in the parade. In later years, I would play with the Rock High School Band in the ceremony at the cemetery. While impressive, the Memorial Day observance was nothing compared to my home town’s Labor Day festivities.

But beyond ceremonies and traditions, Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the freedoms Americans enjoy and the sacrifices made to protect them. From the Revolutionary War to the present-day conflict in Iran, countless service members answered the call to serve, knowing the risks involved.

As communities gather this Memorial Day, the holiday remains rooted in gratitude, remembrance and respect for those who gave everything in service to the United States.