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The History of Memorial Day - Why We Must Remember the Fallen! Monday, May 30th, 4:00 PM
Memorial Day - Learning It's History and Honoring Those Who Have Died For Our Country!

College Station, United States - May 30, 2022 / Museum of the American G.I. /

Memorial Day is one of the most highly regarded commemorative holidays celebrated in America.

Recognized nationally as a Federal holiday and day of remembrance, it is also a day that military history museums throughout the country hold special events to acknowledge further the military and its importance in keeping America safe and free.

Living history museums also play a big part in helping people of all ages genuinely understand the complex tasks that brave military forces have faced over the years and why it is important to remember those who have given their lives to ensure America’s freedom and sovereignty.

The Origin of Memorial Day in America

America had recognized its dead soldiers since a few years after the Civil War when Decoration Day became an annual observation.

Decoration Day, a day for decorating the tombstones of the soldiers lost in the War as a means of remembrance, began in 1868.

It was established on May 5th, with Maj. Gen. John A. Logan of the U.S. Army declared that May 30th be the day as blooming flowers could be used to decorate the graves.

Decoration Day did become an official day nationwide at that time, but local towns and cities had already been having their springtime remembrances, some as early as two years before the official day was named.

Women from the town would gather flowers to decorate the tombstones of fallen soldiers, the start of what would become a tradition that is still practiced to this day as a sign of respect.

It was happening all over the country, especially in the south, where many Civil War dead were buried, with families and townspeople going to various lengths to remember fallen soldiers.

Decoration Day Becomes Memorial Day

Though there has been much disagreement over where these practices began, in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson eventually declared the “birthplace” of Memorial Day to be Waterloo, New York.

Research revealed that on May 5th, 1866, the first community-wide event took place in commemoration of fallen Civil War soldiers.

Businesses closed, flags were set at half-staff, a ceremony was held, and tombstones were decorated, an event much like Memorial Day is celebrated today in towns and cities across the country.

May 30th, the date of the original Decoration Day, became a national event recognized by the Army and Navy and expanded to include significance for Civil War veterans and those being remembered for their sacrifice in any war.

In 1971, Memorial Day, as all know it today, was declared a federal holiday by Congress and set for the last Monday in May.

Special events like parades and living history reenactments at American GI museums frequently mark the occasion. 

A Day of Respect, Recognition, and Remembrance

Today, Memorial Day is still much more than a day off work for those who understand its significance, perhaps even mourning their family members killed in past wars.

It is a time when Americans stop to respect those who lost their lives so that all could remain free, recognizing the sacrifice that these members of the American military have made.

While many localities will hold events and ceremonies to remember their town’s fallen soldiers, military history museums across the country will be holding events, too.

Living history museums provide a unique chance for history buffs, military history enthusiasts, students, and thankful Americans to learn in an environment that makes an impact in a visually impactful way.

Visit the Museum of the American G.I. This Memorial Day

There is much to be learned at living history museums, whether viewing military exhibits, watching reenactments, or witnessing military vehicles and artillery demonstrations. There is no better day to learn it than Remembering the Fallen.

This year, be respectful and remember the past by learning about life as a soldier firsthand at the Museum of the American G.I. while Remembering the Fallen week, May 25th to 29th, 2022.

There will be special Memorial Day displays at the living history museum, an exhibit of noteworthy American Vietnam Heroes, and more.

Then on Sunday, May 29th, a 21-gun salute with 105 Howitzers will bring the week-long remembering the fallen heroes to a close.

About

This country is honored to have living history museums like the Museum of the American G.I. dedicated to helping U.S. citizens remember and honor the service members who died for the sake of their country.

With a commitment to Preserve the Past, Honor the Veterans, and Educate Future Generations, visit the Museum of the American G.I. to see history come alive - call (979) 690-0501 for more information!

Contact Information:

Museum of the American G.I.

P.O. Box 9599 College Station TX 77842 United States
College Station, TX 77842
United States

Leisha Mullins
https://americangimuseum.org/

Original Source: https://americangimuseum.org/the-history-of-memorial-day-why-we-must-remember-the-fallen/

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