
A Little History on Memorial Day
Memorial Day, and the weekend leading up to it, is considered to be the unofficial start of summer. The day is typically observed on the last Monday of May, and is dedicated as a way to honor those men and women who died while serving in the United States military. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, first began in the years that followed the Civil War. It officially became a federal holiday in 1971. To date, many Americans observe Memorial Day by participating in parades, having family gatherings, or spending time with friends at a barbque. By the time the Civil War ended in 1865, there were more casualties than any conflict in the history of the United States. Because of this, national cemeteries around the country needed to be established. Americans around the nation then began holding memorials to fallen soldiers by laying flowers at their graves and reciting prayers in their honor.
What Can You do to Honor the Sacrifice of Those Who Died Serving Our Country?
While it’s great to spend time with family and friends barbequing and shopping this Memorial Day, let’s not forget that our gestures — both large and small — can celebrate those who have given their lives in service to our country.1. You Can Wear a Red Poppy
Typically, near and on Memorial Day, you can find members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) selling their felt or paper poppies at local shopping centers. The red poppy has since become a widely recognized symbol that memorializes soldiers who have lost their lives in battle. This symbol was inspired by the poem, “In Flanders Field,” which was written by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. In the poem, Lieutenant-Colonel McCrae wrote about the red poppies that covered the graves of fallen soldiers.
2. Pause For a Moment at 3p.m.
The National Moment of Remembrance resolution that was passed in 2000 calls for everyone to pause whatever they are doing at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. This brief moment of reflection allows us to think about the sacrifices that our fallen soldiers have made so that we can all continue to live freely in our country.3. Fly the Stars and Stripes
If you have an American flag, Memorial Day is one of the days that you should have it out and flying. If you have a flagpole at your house, then the flag should be flown at half-staff because Memorial Day is a national day of mourning. During Memorial Day, flags should be flown from sunrise until noon in honor of those who have lost their lives serving our country. The flag should then be raised back to full staff from 12 p.m. until sunset to honor living veterans.