Memorial Day is not only a federal holiday in the United States, but it is a day of observance and remembrance of those who died in service. Originally known as Decoration Day, this solemn day has been marked on calendars since the end of the American Civil War as a day to commemorate both the Confederate and Union soldiers who fought and died in the war.

Marking the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, or other tokens has been practiced throughout history, but it wasn’t until the mark of the end of the Civil War that a special day was decided upon as the one to spend in remembrance. By 1890, every state in the country was observing Decoration Day, but it wasn’t until 1967 when the name formally changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day, in order to encompass all fallen American soldiers in all wars and conflicts, and in June of 1968, Congress moved the official date of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May in order to create a three day weekend.

Today, while there is certainly an air of remembrance on Memorial Day, it has become more a day of spending time with family, friends, and other loved ones. This day is also heralded as the start of summer, with many schools finishing for the year around this time. Our team at Erickson – Aamodt Orthodontics remembers it as a day to take solace and remembered those lost.

Traditional observances of Memorial Day are still held, and they often involve raising the American Flag then lowering it to a half-staff position until noon, and then raising it once again to its full height afterwards. The flag is lowered to remember those who’ve lost their lives while in service to their country, and then it is raised to signify our willingness to not let their sacrifice be in vain.

From community parades in the White Bear Lake, Eagan, or Pine City, MN area, backyard cook-outs, and fireworks to formal ceremonies, Memorial Day is commemorated in many different ways. No matter how you choose to spend this day, take a moment to remember those who’ve lost their lives in an effort to preserve our freedom.

Do you like baseball?! We hope the winners of the Minnesota Twins tickets do! Congrats to Isabella (top) from our Eagan office, Jessica (middle) from our White Bear Lake office, and Jordan (bottom) from our Apple Valley office!

Drs. Erickson and Aamodt and our team understand not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But at Erickson – Aamodt Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our White Bear Lake, Eagan, or Pine City, MN office that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Is it something about Drs. Erickson and Aamodt?

Let us know by posting below or on our Facebook page! Or tell us at your next adjustment appointment!

Summer is so close we can almost taste the ice cream sandwiches! To celebrate, we’re giving all of our patients the opportunity to win a special prize from our office! Stop in from now through June stop by the office, drop off your name, and you’re entered in the contest!

You’re probably wondering what you’re entered to win? Well, what is the best thing to do in the summer? Visit the amusement park!! If you’re selected as the winner, you’ll win 4 passes to ValleyFair!

Excited? Yeah, we are too! So stop by between now and June and enter to win! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our office!