Memorial Day – An honorable day

May 26 2010 in Colorado News by admin

Memorial Day is a federal holiday of United States of America. This day is very important for us. This day is not only a holiday; this is a glorious victory day in the remembrance for those men and women in military services who have died in our nation’s service. Memorial Day is originally known as Decoration Day. Although in 1882, some began to call this day as Memorial Day. But until 1967 this name was not official. On 5 May, 1868 Memorial Day was first proclaimed by the General John A. Logan. After the end of Civil war in 1865 approximately 497,831 soldiers were died for the nation. People started to decorate the graves of the soldiers who died. In 1915, Moina Michael conceived an idea to wear red poppies on that day in the honor of the soldiers who died serving the nation during the civil war. She was the first who wore this poppy and sold it to her friends and other people. The money came from the selling of the poppies was used to benefit of serviceman. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, France- American children league started to sell these poppies and gave the benefits to orphans of Belgium and France.

Since the late 50′s before the Memorial Day soldiers place small flag of America at 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. Not only this, they also patrolled 24 hours to ensure each flagged standing. Boy scouts and girl scouts were also put candles and flag at the cemeteries. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday in 1971. The last Monday of May is observed for this day. New York was the first state which was officially recognized this day. After the World War- I almost every state of America started to celebrate this memorable day. But nowadays people have forgotten the tradition. Many of the graves of the veterans at the cemetery are ignored by the people. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

In keeping with the theme of remembrance, Memorial Day is of course a time to visit war memorial places and gave their tribute to the veterans who died in serving the nations. There are so many events organized by many of the societies. On Memorial Day we can also organize a party or picnic and every guest bring a story of someone who served for their country. We can also go for cemetery and place candle and flag on the veteran’s graves. In 2010, on upcoming 31st May we will celebrate this honorable day. On that Memorial Day let us show our patriotic spirit. Memorial Day is the right opportunity to check out the patriotism. Pay a sincere respect to those who have made this day possible and make us proud. We must remember the line of Will Carleton-