NEW YORK – Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

“Today, we Remember and Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Annually, AHEPA’s Supreme President lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier–a proud tradition since 1924. This year, we will be afforded that honor again on Saturday, June 3,” AHEPA said in its announcement.

“Also, AHEPA family members from the Washington, D.C. metro area gathered two days ago to memorialize those who are identified as Greek Americans or Greek Orthodox who are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a figure that totals more than 600 gravesites. This is an annual tradition that began in 1949.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken time to remember our nation’s fallen heroes,” AHEPA concludes.