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.
The
American
Flag hanging cutout is perfect for hanging on the wall or from a yard
sign. The matching basket is flat on the back for hanging on the wall or setting on the
table. Both feature a primitive style rendition of Old Glory that you'll be proud to
display!
Patriotic Decor
A Spirited Memorial Day
Where will you be this
Memorial Day? Whether you're barbequing in your backyard or watching
a parade downtown, make it easy to let your spirit shine with patriotic items you can
wear, wave, hang, display, and dine on!
Two Gift to Go baskets,
Americana Gift to Go and
Liberty Basket, make excellent Memorial Day gifts that anyone would be
proud to give or receive. They're a thoughtful, yet convenient no-hassle gift shipped to
the recipient with your personalized message on a specially designed gift card. Both
feature the
American Flag Basket, a charming rustic metal accent piece that will
be proudly displayed for years to come. Share the spirit this Memorial Day with a
patriotic Gift to Go!
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.
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.
Learn
How to Fly the USA Flag