Memorial Day honors fallen heroes, kicks off summer safety days Published May 21, 2012 By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer, but this holiday is much more significant, especially to military members and their families. Formally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May. It originated after the American Civil War to commemorate fallen Union soldiers. However, by the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died in combat. Though the meaning of Memorial Day sometimes gets lost in the midst of parades covered in red, white and blue, barbecues in backyards and the long three-day weekend, there are those who still use it as a time of remembrance. "For me, this is a day for family and friends to come together, reflect and pay tribute to those who came before us and made the ultimate sacrifice," said Staff Sgt. Michael Boyd, Barksdale Honor Guard NCO in charge. "I like to think for at least one day out of the year all Americans are united and proud of the things our predecessors have done for our country." Since the late 1950s, according to usmemorialday.org, 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery on the Thursday before Memorial Day. The soldiers then patrol every hour during the weekend to ensure each flag remains standing. For its part in the weekend festivities, the Barksdale Honor Guard will participate in the Honoring Our Veterans ceremony on May 28, at 9:30 a.m. at the CARE building in Shreveport. "As we pay tribute in various ceremonies, I let the team know when we honor the veterans we are also honoring ourselves," said Boyd. "Someday they will be the ones who a younger generation will be honoring, so it's important to give them the respect you will want when you have been through similar situations." Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first celebrated on May 30 of that year. Its significance is not lost to Team Barksdale members. "As a retired Air Force chief, it means the world to me that we've set aside a day to remember those who have fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Richard Knowles, 2nd Bomb Wing Safety deputy chief. "From its beginning, it has been a time to commemorate our fallen comrades." In addition to a day of remembrance, the holiday weekend kicks off the 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety Campaign. "The number one cause for deaths during the Memorial Day weekend is due to traffic crashes," said Knowles. "The weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 25, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 28." The National Safety Council estimates 420 traffic fatalities and 42,000 medically-consulted injuries will occur from motor vehicle collisions over the traditional summer kick-off weekend. Below are some safety tips provided by the 2 BW safety chief to keep in mind during the Memorial Day weekend. For any additional safety tips, visit nationalsafetycouncil.org. Active-duty and Department of Defense members may also visit the Travel Risk Planning System through the Air Force Portal. Swimming: - If you don't know how to swim, learn. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Always use the buddy system; never swim alone. - If possible, swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard. Make sure you read and obey all rules and posted signs. - Children or inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices when around the water. - Watch out for the dangerous "too's" - too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. - Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep). - Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices. - Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather. - Use a feet-first entry when entering the water. - Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions. - Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm. - Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Driving: - Refrain from all cell phone use behind the wheel. - Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in age-appropriate safety seats. - All children 12 and under should always be in the back seat. - Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed. - Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during inclement weather. - Avoid driving while drowsy. - Designate a "non-drinking" driver - even moderate consumption of alcohol impairs reaction time and driving judgment.