What is Memorial Day?
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| The Memorial Day is a time to honor the heroes. Source: Arlington Cemetery |
Women and men who have sacrificed their lives in any of America’s numerous wars while serving U.S. military are remembered on this day. It is a declared national holiday. People visit memorials, cemeteries and pray for them. They decorate the graves of brave soldiers with flags and flowers. This unofficially also symbolizes the beginning of summer so people hold family gatherings and plan trips for the long weekend.
About The American Memorial Day
On 5th May 1862, after the Civil War, General John A. Logan who was head of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans requested all Americans to pay homage to soldiers by decorating their graves. The date he chose was 30th May as it was not associated with any battle. Many events were organized in commemoration of soldiers and later during subsequent years it became a tradition. By 1890, the Decoration Day gained momentum and get the status of state holiday. Though by this time, the day was marked on different dates by different regions. This became unified only after World War 1.The10 Places You Must Visit During Memorial DayEarlier it was only for soldiers who died in Civil War but lately it evolved as a Memorial Day in its present form. It is for all the soldiers who lost their life in any battle being part of the American Military. In 1968, Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed by the Congress; according to this the last Monday of May was recognized as the Memorial Day. This also gave continuous three day holiday for the federal employees. This came into effect from 1971.
Fun Family Activities For This Year’s Memorial Day
On this day, the United States Flag is kept to the half-mast position till noon. From noon onwards, the flag is returned to and then in full mast arrangement for the rest of the day. The position of half-staff flag is the way to show respect to all men and women who laid their life while serving their country. While the position of full-staff flag is a promise by living personnel to tell them that their sacrifice will not go waste and it will be led forward.Large procession of parades is taken out all over the country. The pared usually feature marching band with military theme, the veteran military members and military personnel. The servicemen also participate in these parades. Various military vehicles from different wars are also kept for display. It can be seen happening from small towns to large cities. Cities like New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. see huge parades with people participating in large numbers with great enthusiasm; usually like to be present in red, blue and white color attire. They visit memorials and cemeteries and decorate it with flowers and flags.