“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” –Nathan Hale
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day; it referred to the practice of decorating Civil War soldiers' tombs with bouquets of lilacs and other fresh flowers. Some states and governments continue to use that name.
Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving; Veterans Day (Nov. 11) celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.
Several Towns claimed to have started Memorial Day including Waterloo NY, Boalsburg PA, Carbondale IL. However, on May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a Presidential Proclamation recognizing Waterloo as the Birthplace of Memorial Day. "By House Concurrent Resolution 587, the Eighty-ninth Congress has officially recognized that the patriotic tradition of observing Memorial Day began one hundred years ago in Waterloo, New York."
Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971
Every grave in Arlington National Cemetary will have a flag for the holiday
Red poppies are known as a symbol of remembrance, and it's a tradition to wear them to honor those who died in war
More than 36 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, government buildings briskly raise the American flag to the top of the staff and then lower it to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It is then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day.
Roughly 620,000 Americans died in the Civil War — making it the deadliest war in American history. About 644,000 Americans have died in all other conflicts combined.
Remember to thank a veteran and take a moment to remember those who made this country a better place
