We call it Memorial Day now. It began as Decoration Day, officially in 1868 on the 30th of May.
While it had begun informally with families decorating the gravesites of their loved ones, in 1868 the Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (there's a title for you), John Logan made it official, originally to honor Union soldiers.
The unofficial start was in 1866 by Mary Ann Williams whose husband had served in both the Mexican-American War of 1845 and for the South in the Civil War. She had a letter posted in 2 of the newspapers in Georgia and the idea quickly caught on across the south. She signed her letter "Southern Women".
By 1890, every state in the Union recognized a formal Memorial Day but it was not until 1971 that it became an official US holiday, celebrated on the last Monday in May.
It is a day where we recognize all soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have given their last full measure of devotion to their nation.
Never forget, that behind each of those men and women stands a Gold Star Family. For them, every day is Memorial Day.
At 3 PM, local time, please pause for a moment of silence to remember those who never came home. And if you know the names, say them aloud. Never let them be forgotten.
And this does not mean you cannot enjoy the time off, the BBQ or the Indy 500. We only ask for a minute of time
These are two men I will honoring tommorrow.
While it had begun informally with families decorating the gravesites of their loved ones, in 1868 the Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (there's a title for you), John Logan made it official, originally to honor Union soldiers.
The unofficial start was in 1866 by Mary Ann Williams whose husband had served in both the Mexican-American War of 1845 and for the South in the Civil War. She had a letter posted in 2 of the newspapers in Georgia and the idea quickly caught on across the south. She signed her letter "Southern Women".
By 1890, every state in the Union recognized a formal Memorial Day but it was not until 1971 that it became an official US holiday, celebrated on the last Monday in May.
It is a day where we recognize all soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have given their last full measure of devotion to their nation.
Never forget, that behind each of those men and women stands a Gold Star Family. For them, every day is Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is for the fallen and their families
Veterans Day (11 Nov) is for everyone who has served
Armed Forces Day (3rd Sat in May) is to honor those serving today and wearing the uniform
At 3 PM, local time, please pause for a moment of silence to remember those who never came home. And if you know the names, say them aloud. Never let them be forgotten.
And this does not mean you cannot enjoy the time off, the BBQ or the Indy 500. We only ask for a minute of time
These are two men I will honoring tommorrow.
