“Memorial day”

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer

This is an important quote from James A.Garfield

“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

- James A. Garfield

May 30, 1868 Arlington National Cemetery

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Every Memorial Day, families and communities across the nation take time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Americans observe this special holiday in many different ways:

Displaying the Flag

On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon. In the morning, the flag should be raised momentarily to the top and then lowered to half-staff. Americans can also honor prisoners of war and those missing in action by flying the POW/MIA flag.

Visiting Grave Sites

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because communities honored their war dead by decorating their graves with flowers. Many Americans make special flower arrangements and deliver them as a family to grave sites of their loved ones and ancestors.

Participating in the National Moment of Remembrance

In accordance with a congressional resolution passed in 2000, Americans pause wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time for a moment of silence to remember and honor the fallen.

Visiting Local Veterans’ Homes and Hospitals

Many living American veterans require long-term medical care or housing assistance, and they can often feel forgotten. The Memorial Day holiday is a great time to let them know that we appreciate their sacrifice and that of their families and their friends lost in battle.

Attending Memorial Day Parades

The Memorial Day parade is a time-honored tradition in cities and towns across America. Neighbors come together to remember with pride those who sacrificed so much for our country.

Reflection: No one likes war. It is a horrible thing. But regardless of your political beliefs or your feelings about sending men and women into battle, Memorial Day is a day to remember those brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is the second year celebrating memorial day for me and it doesn’t matter if i was born and raised in another country, we need to show respect and honor those who fight and expose their live every day for this beautiful nation that now is my nation too and for me it doesn’t matter where you came from we always need to show honor for those who died and live , for those who fight for us , to make our nation a better place and they fought for our freedom, for a nation with freedom with peace , with love so i think this is an important holiday for everyone and we need to honor those who die for our nation, for our country.