Braintree Marks Memorial Day With Ceremony Honoring Those Who Gave Their Lives

BRAINTREE, MA — Memorial Day means more than time off from work or a chance to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.

The holiday, this year on May 25, is also a somber occasion that recalls men and women of the U.S. armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

Braintree is recognizing these heroes with a ceremony on May 24 at 11 a.m. The event, in the Garden of Honor at Blue Hills Cemetery, will "commemorate the brave military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country," according to a town notice.

Light refreshments will follow at Cahill Auditorium in Braintree Town Hall.

Memorial Day began in 1868 as a tribute to Union troops who lost their lives during the Civil War.

The commemoration has grown over the years to recognize all military personnel who have died in service. Designated as the last Monday of each May, the tribute became a federal holiday in 1971.

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