Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all those who lost their lives in service to our country. The sacrifice of these brave souls make our freedom possible. Amid the cookouts, family gatherings, etc. be sure to remember those who gave so much, and those they left behind.
Originally called Decoration Day, after the Civil War in 1868, this day was set aside to decorate the graves of the soldiers, both Union and Confederate, who lost their lives in the Civil War. It was originally observed in Arlington National Cemetery and a speech was given by General James Garfield. Late in that century, the day was renamed Memorial Day, and after World War I, observers began to remember those who died in all of our country's wars. In 1971, Congress declared it a national holiday on the last Monday in May.
The official birthplace of Memorial Day is considered to be Waterloo, NY - which celebrated on May 5th, 1866 - which included businesses closing and a community wide event (held annually) where residents used flags and flowers to decorate the graves of soldiers.
The real cost...
Originally called Decoration Day, after the Civil War in 1868, this day was set aside to decorate the graves of the soldiers, both Union and Confederate, who lost their lives in the Civil War. It was originally observed in Arlington National Cemetery and a speech was given by General James Garfield. Late in that century, the day was renamed Memorial Day, and after World War I, observers began to remember those who died in all of our country's wars. In 1971, Congress declared it a national holiday on the last Monday in May.
The official birthplace of Memorial Day is considered to be Waterloo, NY - which celebrated on May 5th, 1866 - which included businesses closing and a community wide event (held annually) where residents used flags and flowers to decorate the graves of soldiers.
The real cost...
