The History of Memorial Day
"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree" – Thomas Campbell
When was Memorial Day first celebrated? Memorial day was first celebrated on May 30th, 1868. It was observed by placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers during the first national celebration. Gen. James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which around 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
Who started the custom of wearing red poppies? In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem.
We cherish too, the Poppy red, that grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies, that blood of heroes never dies.
She then came up with the idea of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war.
Since the late 1950/s on the Thursday just before the Memorial Day, around 1200 soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing.
In the year of 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Resolution passed. At 3PM on Memorial Day, all Americans are asked to voluntarily observe a moment of remembrance and respect by pausing for a moment of silence.
In 2004, Washington, DC held it's first Memorial Day Parade in over 60 yrs.
On Memorial Day all flags should be at half-staff until noon and taps is to be played for Memorial Day ceremonies.
Red Poppies are recognized as the Memorial Day flower.
"We come not to mourn our dead soldiers but to praise them"
Give a gift in the name of a loved one who proudly served our country Click Here to give a gift online now!
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