By Andy Lee
Memorial Day: A Day to Remember
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30.
History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, began during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. After World War I, it came to be observed in honor of those who had died in all U.S. wars, and its name changed to Memorial Day.
The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. This national observance was preceded by many local ones between the end of the Civil War and Logan’s declaration. Many cities and people have claimed to be the first to observe it.
In the years following the Civil War, Memorial Day became a popular way to honor the war dead. People would gather at cemeteries and decorate the graves of soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. They would also give speeches and recite poems in honor of the fallen.
Memorial Day continued to grow in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the time of World War I, it was a well-established holiday in the United States. After World War I, Memorial Day was expanded to honor all U.S. military personnel who had died in all wars.
Observances of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and reflection. It is a time to honor the sacrifices that have been made by those who have served in the U.S. military. There are many ways to observe Memorial Day. Some people choose to visit cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects to the fallen. Others choose to participate in parades or other public events. Still others choose to simply spend time with their family and friends in a quiet way.
No matter how you choose to observe Memorial Day, it is important to remember the sacrifices that have been made for our country. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served and who have died in defense of our freedom.
Reasons for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who have died in service to our country. It is a day to honor their sacrifices and to reflect on the cost of freedom. Memorial Day is also a day to celebrate the lives of those who have served and who have died. It is a day to be grateful for their service and to commit to upholding the ideals for which they fought and died.
Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, but it is also a day of hope. It is a day to remember the sacrifices that have been made, but it is also a day to look forward to a future where all people can live in peace and freedom.
Sources
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day
http://www.britannica.com/topic/Memorial-Day
m.facebook.com/TurtleCreekCityplace/posts
I was thinking about... 