Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and is now observed on the last Monday in the month of May.  In the United States, this solemn holiday is dedicated to the reflection and remembrance of men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The website History.com has published a collection of 9 Things You May Not Know  by author Barbara Maranzani about Memorial Day. (The website also includes an explanation by author Tim Ott of the origins and key differences between Memorial Day and Veterans Day here in the United States. Note: many countries honor the fallen during Remembrance Day ceremonies held in November of each year.)

It’s a time-honored tradition to commemorate those who lost their lives in battle by paying tribute through music and poetry. That tradition continues with the song If You’re Reading This which was co-written by Tim McGraw and the brothers Brad and Brett Warren in 2007. This was recorded live, and the applause you hear is the audience’s reaction to after seeing a hundred relatives of fallen military members standing onstage under a banner that read Families of Fallen Heroes.

A personal request: even if you don’t listen to the song, I hope you will take four minutes out of your day to watch the video slideshow, which was created by a YouTube member known as xXxJack5775xXx as a tribute to the fallen.