You know how much I love a little history and trivia, right? Well, I couldn’t wish you a Happy Memorial Day without giving you a few nuggets about it!
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5th 1868 by General John Logan and was first observed on May 30th of the same year, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. The celebration became more common after World War II.
Traditionally, on Memorial Day the American flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon at which time it is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain.
Today, I am filled with gratitude for all of the strong, courageous, and dedicated men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way in order to serve this amazing country.
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!
~Maya Angelou