Memorial Day.
A day to stop and reflect on the men and women who have lost their lives serving in a war.
- Photo by J. Hembree
Originally, it was known as Decoration Day, to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War.
It is a common tradition to decorate the graves with American flags and fresh flowers.
- Photo by J. Hembree
After World War I, the national holiday became known as Memorial Day and extended to all Americans who died fighting for their country in a war.
It is always celebrated on the last Monday in May.
Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA. Photo by J. Hembree
A Memorial Day Poem
“Lord, let the fallen forget
so that they can sleep peacefully.
As for the rest of us,
let us never forget,
so it doesn’t happen again.”
~ RM Mitchell
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What did you do to remember our fallen soldiers on this Memorial Day?
For our international blogging buddies, do you have a similar holiday in your country?
What is it called and when do you celebrate it?
Remembrance Sunday is what we have in Britain. The Queen and everyone else lays a wreath for the soldiers that have died for the country. There is a very big ceremony in London and every town and village across the country. There is also a 2 minute silence on 11 November at 11:00 o’clock, that is when they signed the armistice in 1918. We also sell poppies that we wear throughout the period. There are silences at sporting events, people stop shopping, taxis stop. The recognition of what people have given to their country is much stronger now than when I was a boy.
Mr E
Hawes
Dear Mrs Hembree,
We really are so lucky to be able to walk around with out the fear of war.
I really love the poem it really is so right we should never forget.
Here in Australia on April the 25th we honour the members of Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). This was the very first military group of men and women who went to war.
We remember them in every state of Australia and have a minute silence.
As well we wear a red poppy in remembrance and respect to our fallen men and women who went to war.
We also have remembrance day like your above comment on the 11th of the 11th month on the 11th hour. On this day on the 11th hour no matter where you are we have a minute silence.
We sure have a lot to be grateful for!
From your blogging pal,
AA.
Dear Bulldog Readers,
I really enjoyed reading your post about Memorial Day. It is a special day where we remember those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
On our 365 Project, which is our photo of the day blog, Andrew is seen at a Veterans Cemetery where his Cub Scout troop placed flags. That is something we do to honor our fallen soldiers. Here is a link to that photograph.
Andrew’s Cub Scout event
Thanks for the comment on our “Where’s Nonno?” post, Alex H.!
Your pal,
Mrs. Y♥llis
California