Memorial Day History
Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 5, 1866 at Waterloo, New York. This was due to the fact that the town commemorated Memorial Day yearly with the entire community engaged in events, including decorating the graves of soldiers with flags and flowers.
Originally named Decoration Day in honor of the soldiers who died in the Civil War, it was John A Logan, General of the Army of the Republic who, on May 5, 1868, declared that May 30th would be a day in which flowers who decorate the graves of those who died in defense of their country. In fact, at the first celebration of Decoration Day, then General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. honoring the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who fought and died. It is said that over 5000 people helped to decorate these graves with flags and flowers.
Since then, Memorial Day has since become a day of reflection and observance. All businesses are closed for the day, as well as government buildings. In addition, all members of the armed services, from World War I to today, have been so honored. Memorial Day spawned Veteran’s Day, which is observed on November 11th. Subsequently, Congress declared Memorial Day as a national holiday and is celebrated during a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. One of the most important events is the placing of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, which is usually done by the President or the Vice-President.
The tomb contains the remains of unknown American soldiers from all of the wars American fought. Moreover, every solider was given the Medal of Honor at the time they were interred, and you can see these medals at the Memorial Amphitheater. In addition, the tomb is guarded every day of every year by special members of the Old Guard. It is a fitting tribute to these men, and every year thousands of people visit this site to pay homage to these great men.
Memorial Day has become especially significant, as we have our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Honoring them and those who died before them is not only fitting, but reminds us that freedom comes at a price, and any soldier would tell you that fighting for their country is worth the sacrifice. Remember the men and women who are in far away lands protecting the freedom of others, as well as our own. Light a candle in their honor; send them a message of thanks or a care package of homemade cookies; let them know you are thinking and praying for them. It’s the least we can do to ensure our Memorial Day history is not merely read from a book, but practiced every day.
More Articles
Teen After School Activities – Volunteering
The History Of Thanksgiving In America
Back To School Teens: Driving Safety Tips For Teens Who Drive To School
Christmas Party Game Ideas For Kids
Earth Day: Plant A Tree In Your Yard
Should You Set Time Limits On Your Child's Goals?
Time To Open The Swimming Pool
Products And Downloads
Latest Updates From BBC News
Staff 'too timid' on child abuse
Professionals should not shy away from removing children from abusive parents and putting them in care, a group of experts says.
Closer watch on children's care
Children's services in England are to be more closely monitored following a "damning" report into the Baby P case.
Claimants 'should be work ready'
Lone parents of children aged one to seven should be preparing to re-enter work, says a review.
Parents warned over measles jab
Parents in Staffordshire are advised to make sure their children are immunised against measles.
Care for children is 'inadequate'
Social care services for children in Northamptonshire is branded "inadequate" after an inspection.
Council 'sorry' for murder delay
Brighton council apologises after social workers failed to act on concerns raised by a young girl whose mother had been murdered.
Builders help rescue fire family
Builders rescue a mother and her two children trapped in a house fire in Nottinghamshire.
Ambulance staff checks 'lacking'
A BBC investigation into a private ambulance operator finds shortcomings in staff vetting and training.
Left-handers' lower test scores
Left-handed pupils do less well in tests than their right-handed peers, a study from Bristol University suggests.
Nurseries closed without notice
Hundreds of parents are left without childcare after two south-west London nurseries closed without notice.
More Articles And Free Videos
... just as good if not better workouts. And, you don t have to get up, shower, get dressed and drive to the gym. Another reason that people don t exercise is that they don t know what to do. They start out gung-ho and end up injuring themselves. The key to sticking with exercise is to find an activity that ...
... friends and family? 5. Are your preteen s clothes changing to dark or black and haphazardly worn? 6. Is there a particular type of music your preteen is listening to? 7. Does your preteen talk of gloom and doom or conversely, not talk at all. 8. Has your preteen taken any drugs, or have you found drug ...
Teen After School Activities – Babysitting
... care for, they have a keen sense as to whether or not the babysitter will be fun or not. If your teen is good around kids, they will know it by how the little ones react. There has been much written about babysitting and the problems that occurred with nannies. There is a lesson to be learned, and that ...
Mom Goals And Resolutions: Meal Planning
... perfect balance every day, but you should be able to come reasonably close. 5. Once you've planned the meals for the week, make a grocery list. Go through your menu plan and figure out what ingredients you need to buy for each meal. 6. When you go to the grocery store, don't forget to pick up some healthy ...
7 Memorial Day Activities The Whole Family Will Enjoy
... on spending the entire day out with your family and you can even dress up in red, white, and blue outfits to commemorate the day. 6. If age appropriate, visit your local Veteran s chapter and bring some homemade cookies or cakes. There, the veterans can teach your kids the history of Memorial Day and ...