Photo Information Lt. Gen. Kenneth Glueck Jr., Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force Photo by Command Photo Download Details Share Lt. Gen. Glueck, III MEF/MCBJ Commanding General, Memorial Day Message 19 May 2011 | Lt. Gen. Kenneth Glueck Jr. Marine Corps Installations Pacific PRINT SHARE CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, as it was first called, was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by Gen. John Logan, Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. He called upon his soldiers to memorialize the fallen in their hearts and in ceremony. While it began as a time of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, Memorial Day has continued to serve as a way to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and reflect upon their sacrifices and remind ourselves of the selfless devotion demonstrated every day by American men and women in harm’s way. Since our Nation’s birth, America’s warriors have distinguished themselves with honor, courage and commitment on battlefields around the globe. This Memorial Day, take some time to reflect upon their sacrifice and resolve to live up to their proud tradition of service.