Memorial Day has special meaning in the United States. It honors all the U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.

Originally, it was known as Decoration Day, specifically honoring Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. While most of action occurred in the Eastern United States, there is some historic relevance in the West too.

For anyone visiting Las Vegas for the long Memorial Day weekend, there are several activities that provide a greater historic relevance for Memorial Day. Both Red Rock Canyon and the Colorado River have ties to the Civil War and Indian Wars, giving people an opportunity to walk a mile or two in their shoes.

Red Rock Canyon.

Famous for becoming a landmark on the California Road Trail from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, before merging into the Old Spanish Trail, Red Rock Canyon is steeped in history. During the American Civil War, volunteer troops sometimes made incursions into Indian country like Red Rock Canyon Recreational Area.

You can ride the same trails that were once scouted by U.S. cavalry and famous Wild West explorers and outlaws during The Ol' Spanish Horseback Lunch Ride or Maverick Horseback Breakfast Ride. Both tours average about 5 hours, with experienced tour guides and working cowboys sharing their insights into the American West.

Colorado River.

While Fort Yuma was best known for its troops patrolling the Colorado River to protect gold seekers, the Colorado River was one of the most utilized supply lines during the American Indian Wars from the late 1850s to the late 1880s.

You can see important historic sections on several tours down the Colorado River. The first is a full-day calm water tour (Wednesday and Saturday) of the Black Canyon. This scenic tour begins at Hoover Dam and ends at Willow Beach in Arizona. For the more adventurous, take a white water rafting trip on Native American land. Both tours provide unique insight into the early American West from two very distinct perspectives.

Memorial Day.

After World War I, this special day expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. And in 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress.

"Until the world knows no aggressors, until the arms of tyranny have been laid down, until freedom has risen up in every land, we shall maintain our vigil to make sure our sons who died on foreign fields shall not have died in vain." — President Lyndon B. Johnson, Memorial Day, 1963

With more observers noting that the significance of Memorial Day seems diminished over the years, TourGuy.com would like to ask that no matter what any holiday plans might be, please take a moment to observe, honor, and respect all the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

And if nothing else, please remember the National Moment of Remembrance, which encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. Thank you and God bless.