az4life Report post Posted May 30, 2005 Last week, Jay Leno was interviewing people on the origins of Memorial day. I could not believe how many people were clueless on the holiday. I would bet this group is well informed, but will share this anyway. The internet really does make information easy to share! and I Hope this information helps someone out there understand the meaning of the holiday. "Memorial days" were set aside during the American Civil War in both the United States and the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War, various communities started having memorial services for the war dead. Memorial day began around the time of the civil war. Abraham Lincoln in the late fall of 1863 feared that he might be the last president of the United States, which was a nation embroiled in what he described as "a great civil war. He began his now famous remarks as he stood on a battlefield in Pennsylvania on November 19th of that year. The speech that became known as Lincoln's Gettysburg Address turned into what might be called the first observance of Memorial Day. Lincoln's purpose that day was to dedicate a portion of the battlefield as a cemetery for the thousands of men, both living and dead, who consecrated that soil in the sacrifice of battle. Said Abraham Lincoln: "That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause which they gave the last full measure of devotion...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom..." In 1865, Henry C. Welles of New York, began promoting the idea of decorating the graves of Civil War veterans. He gained support of the others and they evantually made "Decorations" for each veteran's grave. In 1868 (Three years after the Civil War ended) Union veterans established "Decoration Day" as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. It is commonly believed the Msy 30th date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies originally centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. After various speeches, children from the Soldiers? and Sailors? Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns. In 1966, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags since May 5, 1865. By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, (though it is still often called Decoration Day) and It was also placed on the last Monday in May. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. Fianally, remember the Fallen Veterans today. We live and enjoy those things that they died for. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted May 30, 2005 Just got back from a memorial day ceremony here in Globe. It was great to be able to thank so many veterans that were there. It's so emotional for me to think of all the sacrifices made over the centuries of war. I really wish more people attended the service. Thanks to all the veterans and those serving currently! Amanda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KGAINES Report post Posted May 30, 2005 God bless all who have served and are currently serving our country. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m1280 Report post Posted May 31, 2005 kgaines and amanda,, thank you!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites