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Memorial Day
Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. While you are off this Memorial Day holiday, please pause and remember our fallen heroes.
Following are suggesting for honoring our fallen servicemen.
- Visit cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
- Visit memorials.
- Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
- Fly the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
- Participate in a "National Moment of Remembrance" at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and to play Taps
Online Resources
History of Memorial Day
The following websites provide information on the origin of the holiday:
- http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp#hist
- http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history
Memorial Day Poems
http://www.thememorialdaytribute.com/memorial-day-poems/index.html
Poppies
http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flower.pdf
Original Memorial Day Order
http://www.cem.va.gov/hist/memdayorder.asp