Most towns have local Memorial Day celebrations. Here are some ways you can honor the men and women who serve our country:
– Put flags or flowers on the graves of men and women who served in wars.
– Fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon.
– Visit monuments dedicated to soldiers, sailors and marines.
– Participate in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
– March in a parade.
The holiday got started on May 30, 1868, when Union General John A. Logan declared the day an occasion to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers. Twenty years later, the name was changed to Memorial Day. On May 11, 1950, Congress passed a resolution requesting that the President issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. President Richard M. Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday in 1971.
Memorial Day is now observed on the last Monday of May. Many people consider Memorial Day to be the unofficial start of the summer season. Many families will heat up the grill, head to the beach or take in a big blockbuster movie. What ever your family tradition try to remember that it is an occasion to honor the men and women who died in all wars.
