Remembering The Fallen

Memorial Day: A Day of Remembrance

Remembering the Fallen

Memorial Day is an American holiday observed every year on the last Monday of May. It is a day set aside to remember and honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

History of Memorial Day

The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the American Civil War. In 1868, General John A. Logan, the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization for Union veterans, issued a proclamation calling for a day of remembrance to honor the soldiers who had died in the war. The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868, in Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington, D.C.

Traditions of Memorial Day

Today, Memorial Day is observed with a variety of traditions, including: * Visiting cemeteries and placing flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. * Attending parades and ceremonies to honor veterans. * Flying the American flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon. * Volunteering to help veterans and their families.