Memorial Day marks the federal holiday, which is dedicated to remembering fallen U.S. soldiers who lost their lives while serving their country

The remembrance event was initially known as Decoration Day until 1971 when Congress declared that the last Monday in May would be recognized as Memorial Day and serve as a tribute to brave soldiers.

Some Americans celebrate the day by laying wreaths on the graves of veterans as well as decorating headstones with flags and flowers.

However, there are several other ways to commemorate men and women who served in the armed forces. Check out these quotes compiled from Country Living and Good Housekeeping, honoring the fearless soldiers who served their country.

  • “There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.” – Nick Lampson
  • “This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.” – Tamra Bolton
  • “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” – Adlai Stevenson II
  • “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
  • “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
  • “…And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.” – Ronald Reagan
  • “Veterans are a symbol of what makes our nation great, and we must never forget all they have done to ensure our freedom.” – Rodney Frelinghuysen
  • “As we set today aside to honor and thank our veterans, let us be mindful that we should do this every day of the year and not just one.” – Beth Pennington
  • “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust, their courage nerves a thousand living men.” – Minot J. Savage
  • “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.” – Sgt. Major Bill Paxton
Memorial Day
A soldier in the Old Guard places flags at graves in Arlington National Cemetery during 'Flags In' in preparation for Memorial Day in Arlington, Virginia, May 25, 2017. Getty Images/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI
RELATED STORIES
Memorial Day