Memorial Day is observed in the last Monday of May, when the citizens of United States of America honor the men and women who died serving in the U.S. Military.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Unofficially, it also marks the beginning of the summer season a time where Americans enjoy grilling their favorites foods outside
This is also a time for Americans to visit cemeteries or memorials, having family gatherings and participating in parades and likes. For the veterans this is a time to get together and remember those fallen brothers and sisters who fought battles along side them and sacrificed their lives for freedom. Hence the saying is very well rooted in history “Home of the Free, because of the Brave”.
HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY
The Civil War ended in spring of 1865 and claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. History, this was followed by establishment of some of the first cemeteries and memorials.
Actually by the late 1860s, Americans in various towns had begun to hold springtime tributes to these fallen soldiers by visiting their graves, placing flowers and saying prayers.
Although it is not clear where the formal Memorial Day originated, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of the Memorial Day.
THEN CAME DECORATION DAY
Later in May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, the leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance and hence proclaimed …“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated 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, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” . And this eventually was established as the Memorial Day.
John did not want to choose any anniversary of any particular war for this day, hence he chose May 30th. Hence this day is relevant yesterday, today and forever.
MEMORIAL DAY IS ESTABLISHED
Decoration Day gradually over the years came to be known as the Memorial Day. Although originally this day was to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting in the Civil War, with America getting into World War 1 which was another major war where Americans sacrificed their lives Memorial Day evolved into a time to remember all who gave their life in any kind of war.
WAYS TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES FOR FREEDOM SAKE
Across America both veterans and civilians take this time to visit cemeteries, memorials and similar monuments established after various wars.
People also visit graves of their dear ones, and friends who lost their lives in war and place flowers and say word or prayer. Churches and religious organizations use this opportunity to pray for peace and for families of those who sacrificed their lives.
Many organizations also use this opportunity to raise awareness for the new generation who may be oblivious of the price paid for freedom, and also raise funds to support the veterans and other non-profit organizations supporting soldiers and veterans.
Veterans get together to remember their brothers who fought battles alongside them and gave their life. Here are some popular sayings
- Freedom is Never FREE
- Home of the Free…Because of the Brave
- All Men are Created Equal and then…few became brothers
- The High Price Paid for Freedom..Is a Cost Paid by a Brave Few
And some wear these messages bold and loud on t-shirts, glassware and other products. We have linked some on the above sayings if you want to explore them, these are some amazing t-shirts and glassware. Also checkout these great decals we found for Memorial Day or any such occasions.
May the spirit of America continue to foster freedom, justice and peace for all. Which is what this nation stands for and fought many battles to uphold and protect it, and continues to fight many even to this day!
There are many brothers and sisters who are in high risk zones around the world, ready to give their lives for the sake of others, for the sake of this nation. Let’s remember and support them in which ever way we can.
