- Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868. It was observed by placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers during the first national celebration. It now honors any service person who served in any war the United States has been involved.
- 25 different places are associated with the origin of Memorial Day
- Before it was called Memorial Day it was called Decoration Day
- After World War I, the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress.
- The name “Memorial Day” was first used in the late 1800s, but was not declared the official name by federal law until 1967.
- Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. This date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country, no matter in which state you lived. (Remember, Alaska wasn’t a state at the time.)
- On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The holidays included Washington’s Birthday, Veterans Day and Memorial Day
- Traditionally, the flag is flown at half-staff from dawn until noon.
- Poppy flowers are used as a symbol for Memorial Day.
- ”In Flanders Fields” is a poem that is credited for the popular use of poppy flowers. Here is the story of the making of that poem – http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Stop And Take A Moment
In 2000, Congress established a National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3 p.m.(according to your own time zone) in an act of national unity. The time was chosen because 3 p.m. “is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.“
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