Memorial Day 2015 will be observed on Monday, May 25th. This is not a day for parties or barbeques. This day was not meant for eating and drinking. This does not mean that summer is here or we should take a vacation. This is a day of remembrance. A day to reflect on those who gave their lives so we could enjoy those parties and barbeques and that food and drink. Let’s not forget what we are celebrating on Memorial Day.
History
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day honors those who have given their lives during service of the United States of America. More than two dozen cities and towns claim they are the birthplace of this day, though Waterloo NY was officially affirmed the origin by President Lyndon Johnson in May of 1966. No matter where it originated, Memorial Day was devised from the Civil War to honor our fallen soldiers.
General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 for Memorial Day to be observed on the 30th of May, 1868 with the intention of “decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion…” He chose this particular date since it was not the anniversary of any specific battle.
Observance Traditions
In order to observe Memorial Day, the United States flag is raised to the top of the staff, then lowered to half-staff. It will remain in the half-staff position until noon in order to honor the more than one million Americans who gave their lives in service. Then it will be raised again to full-staff for the rest of the day to remember their memory and vow that their sacrifice will not be in vain.
Wearing red poppies, placing flags and flowers on our loved ones’ graves, and visiting our heroes memorials are also observance traditions for Memorial Day.
More Information
Learn more about Memorial Day at USMemorialDay.org
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