Memorial Day

Memorial Day Is Celebrated On Last Monday of MAY!

31st May 2021

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is celebrated for those people who served the army during the war. Memorial Day comes near the end of May every year. Due to this reason, it is also known as the beginning of summer. However, its date changes from year to year. It is a U.S Federal Holiday.   

What Was Memorial Day Originally Called?

In old times Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day. It was observed for the first time as a federal holiday in 1971. 

It was first celebrated during the days of the civil war.

What Is Memorial Day All About?

This day was firstly celebrated on Monday 30, 1868. During the Civil war, many people sacrificed their lives. This day is celebrated to honor the sacrifices of those soldiers. On this day, many American citizens visit memorials or graves of their loved ones as this day was in the memories of people who died during a war.

Who Is Generally Considered The Founder Of Memorial Day?

In the days of the civil war, an organization named the Grand Army of the republic. This is the Organization of the union of soldiers and sailors. A man named Gen. John A. Logan is known to be the founder of this day.

What Famous Monument Was Dedicated On Memorial Day in 1922?

The Lincoln Memorial was a monument dedicated to Abraham Lincoln in 1922.

History of Memorial Day:

You must have found out the answers to some of the frequently asked questions related to memorial day. Now let us look at the history of this big day or How Memorial Day started?

If we dare to trace the exact day of the start of memorial day, it would probably be a challenging task. The precise origin of this day is pretty unclear. It is believed that many communities could have started on their own. The earliest commemoration is organized by a group of slaves who got freed in South Carolina. This was back in 1865. However, Waterloo, New York was declared the official birthplace or place of origin of Memorial Day in 1966.

Memorial Day’s original purpose is to honor the people who have sacrificed their lives while fighting in the Civil War. Later it included all the military personnel who died in various wars. The most known of these wars are World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For many years, this day was observed on the 30th of May. It was in 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. According to this Act, Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday in May. The sole purpose of doing this was to create a long three days weekend for the federal employees. This act was implemented in 1971. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by the same act in later years.

Memorial Day Video:

Video by El Mambo King

Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is celebrated in honor of the people of have sacrificed their most significant possession, that is, their lives in the Civil Wars. It is a day to appreciate the American Armed Forces and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit.

Memorial Day Activities: There is an extensive list of the activities that can be done on Memorial Day. Let us have a look at some of the fantastic things to be done on this day.

A Tour Of White House: You must be surprised to hear that we are recommending you visit the White House. Don’t worry, it’s just a virtual tour. All you need to do is see this historical place from the comfort of your couch and know interesting facts about it.

Veteran’s Story: The best thing would be to know the story of a veteran from himself, but if you don’t remember any veteran, you can still see a lot about them from various books and articles on the Internet. So, invest this day in exploring several impressive veteran’s stories.

Memorial Day Poppy: The Friday before Memorial Day is called the National Poppy Day. Poppy is considered a sign of remembrance of the soldiers. On this memorial day, craft your poppy by using tissue paper and following a tutorial.

Donate as much as you can! Several organizations are working for the welfare of the armed forces. Take out time and donate to these organizations and do something extra for this military personnel.

Teach your kids! If you haven’t given your children a brief introduction to memorial day already, this is the right time to do that. Let your children understand the purpose of the memorial day.

Letters to soldiers: To make your children realize the difference between any other typical Monday and this Monday, make them write letters to active soldiers and veterans and post them.

Care Packages for Soldiers: Another impressive thing that can be done on this day is to lend a helping hand to the people who are arranging care packages for soldiers. You can also contribute as much as you can to these packages.

Hang a Flag: Another way to show your love and gratitude towards your country on this big day is to hang a flag of America in your yard. This will prove to be a sign of your patriotism and will encourage others to do the same. 

Memorial Day Weekend: If you are wondering where to go for a memorial day weekend, this is the right place for you to find out the answer. Numerous sites can be visited on the long memorial day weekend. The famous areas include Washington, DC, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, California, Denver, St. Louis, Chicago, Atlanta, Providence, Rhode Island, Austin, and many other beautiful places.

Memorial Day Quotes:

A large number of Memorial Day Quotes mark Memorial Day. These quotes highlight the spirit of patriotism and love for veterans. Some of the famous Memorial Day Quotes include:

• “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outburts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” – Adlai Stevenson
• “America without her soliders would be like God without His angels.” – Claudia Pemberton
• “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” – Jeff Miller
• “There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.” – Nick Lampson
• America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels. – Claudia Pemberton
• “Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering.”- Theodore Roosevelt
• “The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.” -Thomas Campbell
• “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” –Benjamin Franklin
• “May we never forget freedom isn’t free.”- Nick Lampson
• Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.”- George S. Patton
• “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” –Lee Greenwood
• It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived. – George S. Patton
• “America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels.” –Claudia Pemberton
• The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. – Jeff Miller
• “From out of the ground a eulogy grows and becomes a poppy.” ― Nanette L. Avery
• Let their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.—Daniel Webster
• Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.—Mark Twain

Happy Memorial Day!