MEMORIAL DAY is the one holiday each year that is for honoring.  It is a special day for honoring those Americans who have died defending their country. The last Monday in May is devoted to their memory.

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

Party Items	Patriotic Holidays	Patriotic Decorations
Stars & Stripes Bandana A modern day look at the flag. It can be used as a napkin too.
Patriotic Kit for 25 Great for all of your Patriotic Events Patriotic Decorama Three Cheers For The Red, White & Blue! Celebrate the National Holiday
Proud To Be American CD

The House Chamber and Capitol Activities
Download this entire 10-page activity booklet includes coloring pages, a word puzzle, and a maze.

Lets Say Thanks
www.LetsSayThanks.com
You can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send a card. This is a great site. Please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a second.

We proudly support our American Troops

Memorial Day
(opens in Word)

Welcome Home
Support Our Troops

President's Day Project
Presidents Coloring Pages

FLAGS / DECORATIONS

American Flags
Patriotic Décor Kit
Patriotic Decorama
Patriotic Bunting Border

Proud to be American!
Wear a patriotic bracelet in honor of our fallen heroes.
Patriotic Band Bracelets

BANNERS/SIGNS

Patriotic Yard Sign
America Forever
Patriotic Stars
Stars & Stripes
Flag Waver
Patriotic
Patriotic Curtain
Flag Banner

Patriotic Flags Garland

Waving Flags Border Roll

Liberty Bell
Large American Flags

National Treasures

Uncle Sam Top Hat

Patriotic Sequin Top Hat
Stars & Stripes Hat

Skimmer Hat
Red Felt Top Hat

TABLEWARE

Patriotic Table Skirt
Patriotic Confetti Pack
Patriotic Centerpiece

Carlson Craft
Party Invitations

Sites for Teachers