Post by tomiseksj on May 26, 2014 14:58:44 GMT
In the United States, Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed the last Monday in May. Memorial day is a remembrance for those who died serving our country -- it is also a time to honor our veterans by remembering their service and sacrifice.
On May 5, 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, an organization comprised of Union veterans (the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)) established Decoration Day as a time to honor the war dead by decorating their graves with flowers. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.
By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.
It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays (an indepth history of Memorial Day is available here.)
The 50c, perf. 11 lilac regular issue stamp released on November 11, 1922 (Scott 570) features the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
On May 5, 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, an organization comprised of Union veterans (the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)) established Decoration Day as a time to honor the war dead by decorating their graves with flowers. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.
By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.
It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays (an indepth history of Memorial Day is available here.)
The 50c, perf. 11 lilac regular issue stamp released on November 11, 1922 (Scott 570) features the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial Amphitheater
On the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery is the Memorial Amphitheater, which was dedicated in 1920. It is the site for annual memorial services on Easter, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, and it has also been the site of patriotic meetings and state funerals of famous Americans. Near the Memorial Amphitheater is the Tomb of the Unknowns, which shelters the bodies of unknown servicemen from several American wars in tribute and honor to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in anonymity.
On the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery is the Memorial Amphitheater, which was dedicated in 1920. It is the site for annual memorial services on Easter, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, and it has also been the site of patriotic meetings and state funerals of famous Americans. Near the Memorial Amphitheater is the Tomb of the Unknowns, which shelters the bodies of unknown servicemen from several American wars in tribute and honor to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in anonymity.
