A Day of Remembrance
May 25, 2009
Originally called Decoration Day, memorial Day is set aside as a national holiday for all Americans to remember those who have died in our nation's service. There are many claims as to the actual beginnings of the tradition of decorating the graves of soldiers. Most evidence suggests that it began in the South during the Civil War when women's groups would scatter rose petals on the graves of fallen soldiers.
However, in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson officially declared the birthplace to be Waterloo, New York.
The date originally set aside for this day of remembrance was May 30, but in 1971, the U.S. Congress passed the National Holiday Act to ensure a three day weekend for Federal Holidays. Thus Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May.
The holiday has also become a time for remembering all who have died, not just our veterans.
In 2000, concerned that Americans were losing the meaning of the original Memorial Day, the National moment of Remembrance resolution was passed. We are asked to pause voluntarily and informally at 3 p.m. local time to observe a moment of respect and remembrance with a moment of silence.
It is important that we take this moment in this day to remember the ones who have gone to battle that America can remain the land of the free and the brave!
Originally called Decoration Day, memorial Day is set aside as a national holiday for all Americans to remember those who have died in our nation's service. There are many claims as to the actual beginnings of the tradition of decorating the graves of soldiers. Most evidence suggests that it began in the South during the Civil War when women's groups would scatter rose petals on the graves of fallen soldiers.
However, in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson officially declared the birthplace to be Waterloo, New York.
The date originally set aside for this day of remembrance was May 30, but in 1971, the U.S. Congress passed the National Holiday Act to ensure a three day weekend for Federal Holidays. Thus Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May.
The holiday has also become a time for remembering all who have died, not just our veterans.
In 2000, concerned that Americans were losing the meaning of the original Memorial Day, the National moment of Remembrance resolution was passed. We are asked to pause voluntarily and informally at 3 p.m. local time to observe a moment of respect and remembrance with a moment of silence.
It is important that we take this moment in this day to remember the ones who have gone to battle that America can remain the land of the free and the brave!
posted by shirley harry at 7:02 AM
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