Back in 1896 began with the local traditions from the wives and soldiers of decorating the graves of the Civil War soldiers' graves with flags and flowers reciting prayers and holding spring tributes. Honoring over an estimated 620,000 fallen soldiers, it was the first widely observed on May 30, 1868, in Waterloo NY birth claim to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil war soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Lohgan of the Grand Army of republic, an organization of former union sailors and soldiers. Originally called Decoration Day, from the early traditions of decorating grave with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is for the reembrace of those who have died in service to our country.
In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal Holiday. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities observed Memorial Day. After WW1 it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all Americas wars and then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States. In 1971, congressed passed the Uniform Monday holiday act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May.
Held at Arlington national Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small flag is placed on each grave while the President or vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. While initially focused on the Civil War, Memorial Day evolved to honor all American military personnel who died including all American wars. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May, a time of year when the weather is turning warmer and schools and universities are abjuring for summer break.
To Honor Memorial Day, participate in a moment of silence at 3:00pm local time and if can visit a military cemetery or war memorial you can also fly the American flag at half-staff until noon.
Today we are honoring Memorial Day
Back in 1896 began with the local traditions from the wives and soldiers of decorating the graves of the Civil War soldiers' graves with flags and flowers reciting prayers and holding spring tributes. Honoring over an estimated 620,000 fallen soldiers, it was the first widely observed on May 30, 1868, in Waterloo NY birth claim to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil war soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Lohgan of the Grand Army of republic, an organization of former union sailors and soldiers. Originally called Decoration Day, from the early traditions of decorating grave with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is for the reembrace of those who have died in service to our country.
In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal Holiday. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities observed Memorial Day. After WW1 it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all Americas wars and then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States. In 1971, congressed passed the Uniform Monday holiday act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May.
Held at Arlington national Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small flag is placed on each grave while the President or vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. While initially focused on the Civil War, Memorial Day evolved to honor all American military personnel who died including all American wars. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May, a time of year when the weather is turning warmer and schools and universities are abjuring for summer break.
To Honor Memorial Day, participate in a moment of silence at 3:00pm local time and if can visit a military cemetery or war memorial you can also fly the American flag at half-staff until noon.
Let's us honor them and never forget them.