Memorial Day

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors the men and women who died serving in the U. S. Military. Originally it was known as Decoration Day, first celebrated by decorating the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers of the Civil War. While many cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial day (Columbus, Mississippi; Macon, Georgia; Richmond, Virginia; Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, and Carbondale, Illinois), President Lyndon B. Johnson and the federal government declared Waterloo, New York the official birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo, NY was chosen because this town honored Memorial Day by closing businesses doors while residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

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In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday and has since then been celebrated on the last  Monday in May. Today, we continue the tradition of honoring deceased soldiers, and family members visiting cemeteries, holding family gatherings, and parades. The red poppy is an important symbol of Memorial Day, because the red field of poppies were the first plants to grow after World War 1-- as read in a poem written by a brigade surgeon titled, "In Flanders Field." This poem was published in 1915 has since then been read at countless memorial ceremonies. People have since then interpreted the red poppy to symbolize the blood shed during battle.

Moina Michael, a professor, took a leave of absence from her job at the University of Georgia to volunteer at the New York headquarters of the Young Women's Christian Association, which trained and sponsored workers overseas. After reading "In Flanders Field," she vowed to always wear a red poppy and began to raise money to support returning veterans by selling red silk poppies. In 1920 the poppy was voted as the official U. S. national emblem of remembrance.

"In Flanders Field" by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row, 

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That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 

loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields. 

Take up our quarrel with the foe: 

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high. 

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields."

Although this year many towns have had to cancel their Memorial Day celebrations at each town's respected cemetery, our communities can still find a way to honor our deceased loved ones. 

Arlington Cemetery: 

View the online exhibit of the Arlington National Cemetery by clicking here.

Music: 

Add some music to your Memorial Day by playing this Spotify Playlist! 

Flowers: 

Bring flowers to your loved one's grave!

Thank you to the following people and websites for assisting in this article!
https://www.history.com/news/world-war-i-poppy-remembrance-symbol-veterans-day
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history
'Merica Patriotic Music Playlist by brintonl