WGBY Intern and recent UMASS graduate, Jonathan Daly, writes:

Many people see Memorial Day as a day off from work or a long weekend. There is a rich history behind it, however.

The United States has been involved in numerous wars throughout its relatively short yet eventful history. Countless Americans  have fought for our country to protect our freedoms, many losing their lives in the process.

Along with this video from All About the Holidays, PBS Learning Media provides a storyboard to help your students understand Memorial Day and the reasons we celebrate it. It contains a video that briefly summarizes the origins of Memorial Day as well as images of memorials that have been erected to remember those Americans who have sacrificed their lives to protect our country.

In remembering those who have sacrificed for our country, make sure to have a safe and happy Memorial Day!