The upcoming three-day weekend has prompted searches on Yahoo! for "when is memorial day," "what is memorial day," and "memorial day history." The day was originally known as "Decoration Day" because the day was dedicated to the Civil War dead, when mourners would decorate grave sites as a remembrance.
The holiday was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, when 5,000 people helped decorate the grave sites of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery. (Some parts of the South still remember members of the Confederate Army with Confederate Memorial Day.)
After World War I, the observances were widened to honor the fallen from all American wars--and in 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday.
Towns across the country now honor military personnel with services, parades, and fireworks. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. At Arlington National Cemetery, headstones are graced with small American flags.
This day is not to be confused with Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11 to honor military veterans, both alive and dead.
In Honor of my own grandpa, Richard Spafford, who served his country VALIANTLY, and to ALL of those who have died to PRESERVE this NATION. I am grateful for the FREEDOMS you have provided for me with your BRAVE and ENDLESS service. Thank you!
Thank you Grandpa.....I miss you!
1 comment:
Love your tribute to Grandpa, I know he is looking down and watching over us!
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