INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day celebrations typically involve barbeques with family and friends complete with outdoor activities to start off the summer season. The Lake West Chamber of Commerce would like to share with you the meaning of Memorial Day, and some interesting facts about this very important holiday.
Memorial Day is always the last Monday in the month of May, and is a day devoted to honor the fallen men and women who have served our country. Memorial Day was first recognized a few years after the Civil War, in 1868. The holiday was established by Major General John A. Logan, the speaker at a gathering of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, "for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion." Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., has formally observed this holiday ever since.
The National Moment of Remembrance Act was passed in 2000, encouraging Americans to observe a moment of silence at 3:00 pm local time to remember the fallen soldiers.
On May 30, 1868, President Ulysses S. Grant presided over the first Memorial Day ceremony to a crowd of 5000 people. Since then, Memorial Day has acquired its own set of customs. The most recognized custom is to fly the American flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset.
John McCrae inspired the custom of wearing red artificial poppies on Memorial Day with his poem “In Flanders Fields”. Moina Michael, a Georgia teacher, and volunteer war worker started a campaign in 1915 to make the poppy a symbol of tribute for “keeping the faith of all who died”. The sale of these poppies supports the work of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Interesting facts about Memorial Day:
- Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day
- The holiday began as a way to honor soldiers who died in the Civil War, but the day now honors all U.S. veterans who have sacrificed their lives.
- Many veterans, as well as friends and family of veterans, make a pilgrimage to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend.
- During the 3 p.m. moment of remembrance on Memorial Day, Amtrak conductors sound one long whistle in honor of those who have died in service.
- Traditionally, American presidents give a Memorial Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- New York was the first state to recognize Memorial Day as an official holiday.
- The first Indianapolis 500 race took place on Memorial Day in 1911.
- The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated by then-Chief Justice William Taft on Memorial Day in 1922.
We hope you have enjoyed these interesting facts about Memorial Day. However you will be celebrating, The Lake West Chamber of Commerce would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend.
Building a stronger economy and a better business community since 1987!
Comments
Post a Comment