USAG DAEGU -- Memorial Day is a Federal holiday in United States of America, and it represents a day to remember the individual soldiers and leaders that have sacrificed their lives in support of our country's constitution. This Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday of May.

"We should take time to thank the individuals for their sacrifices and what they've done in making the ultimate sacrifice to defend the United States constitution," said Command Sgt. Maj. Juan A. Abreu, United States Army Garrison Daegu Command Sergeant Major.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it set aside a time to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official Federal holiday in 1971.

Sometimes, Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is about memorializing and remembering the soldiers who have passed away. But Veterans Day is dedicated to celebrate the service of members of the military that are veterans. They successfully served in the military and now no longer wear a uniform.

"To me the Memorial Day is, remembering that our life is valuable and the people voluntarily have given their life for me and us to be able to do what it is I do for our military," said Abreu. "It allows me to be a father, it allows me to be a husband, or it is the commitment of sacrifice that someone did for my freedom."