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
