What is the real purpose of Memorial Day?

What is the real purpose of Memorial Day?

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The holiday began as a way to honor soldiers who died in the Civil War, but the day now honors all U.S. veterans who have sacrificed their lives.

Why did we start celebrating Memorial Day?

It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers. During that first national commemoration, former Union Gen.

Is Memorial Day only to honor the dead?

“From this beginning, Memorial Day is now designated as an annual day of remembrance to honor all those who have died in service to the United States during peace and war,” the website says. Since 2000, a ”National Moment of Remembrance” was designated to take place at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day each year.

Why is and should Memorial Day be an important holiday for American citizens?

Although Memorial Day honors the brave people who lost their lives fighting for our country, it also is an opportunity to recognize the military men and women and their families who continue to work to ensure the freedom of all of us Americans today. The United States Armed Forces is noted for its size and strength.

What does Memorial Day Honor?

Memorial Day, which is celebrated on the last Monday in May, honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers..

Who started Memorial Day and why?

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan issued a proclamation calling for “Decoration Day” to be observed annually and nationwide; he was commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), an organization of and for Union Civil War veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois.

What is an interesting fact about Memorial Day?

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day On May 5, 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, John Logan, a veteran of the war and head of the Union veterans organization the Grand Army of the Republic, established Decoration Day to be recognized on May 30, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Is Veterans Day for deceased?

The holiday is distinct from Memorial Day, which grew out of the Civil War-era tradition of decorating the graves of deceased soldiers. While Memorial Day honors those who died in military service, Veterans Day celebrates the living and the dead..

What do you say to a veteran on Memorial Day?

“Thank you for your service.” “Happy Memorial Day.”…Here are some ideas on what you can say instead. Try something like:

• “Enjoy your weekend, but I want you to know that I will be remembering what this holiday is about.”
• “Enjoy your weekend, and I will be thinking about those who are no longer with us.”

Should you say Happy Memorial Day?

While some consider pairing the word happy with Memorial Day to be inappropriate, others see it as a perfectly acceptable greeting. Despite joy being at the root of the word happy, Thesaurus.com noted that using the word happy could also be a way for a person to express gratitude.