The United States has been through many wars -
the Revolutionary, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World Wars I and 11, Korea, Vietnam.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died on battlefields all over the world. The
memory of their great sacrifice is kept alive each Memorial Day.
The custom began one year after the end of the
Civil War. A group of women in Mississippi decided to honor the graves of both Northern
and Southern soldiers who had died at the battle of Shiloh in the Civil War. They
decorated the graves with flowers. Two years later, in 1868, Gen. John A. Logan, commander
of the Grand Army of the Republic, set aside a special day to honor those fallen in
battle.
Because people placed flowers on
the soldiers' graves, the day became known as Decoration Day. Even today in many parts of
the United States, Memorial Day is called Decoration Day.
Today, people observe Memorial
Day in much the same way as in the past. Flowers are placed on graves, and people pray for
the brave men who have died. There are parades, speeches, and memorial services
and
Flags.
At military bases and aboard Navy
ships, the flag is flown at half-mast. At noon, a memorial service is held. An honor guard
stands at rigid attention while memorial services are said. A 21-gun salute and
"Taps" played by a bugler end the ceremony.
In many ports of the United
States, tiny boats filled with flowers are set afloat. From U.S. Navy ships, flowers are
thrown overboard to float on the sea. These customs are to honor those who have died at
sea.
At the Tomb of the Unknowns -
formerly called The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - near Washington, D.C., a ceremony is
held. Buried in this tomb are men killed in World War 1, World War 11, and Korea. No one
knows who these men were. All that is known is that they died for their country. The tomb
stands to remind all Americans of the brave men and women who have died in battle.
Patriot Day
As you know, this is a day set aside to mark the
horrific events of 9/11/01 and to mark the unparalleled heroism and
resilience that we witnessed in the face of such tragedy.
Patriotic Decorations
Learn
How to Fly the USA Flag