Memorial Day Remembrance
While many think of this weekend as the beginning of summer and barbeques in the yard, Memorial Day has a much more solemn meaning.
Sparked by an idea of Henry C. Welles, a druggest in the Village of Waterloo, and the support of General John B. Murray, a very patriotic Civil War verteran, what began as a community event to honor Civil War dead is now dedicated to the remembrance of all veterans.
However, Waterloo was not the only town honoring Civil War dead. About 25 towns, both North and South, laid claim to originating the practice. Among them were: Columbus, Mississippi; Macon, Georgia; Columbus, Georgia; Richmond; Virginia, Boalsburg; Pennsylvania; and Carbondale, Illionois.
It was originally called Decoration Day because graves of Civil War dead were decorated with flags, black banners, and evergreen garland. Today it is known as Memorial Day and observed annually on May 30th. The date choosen as one when flowers would be available throughout the nation.
The Village of Waterloo was officially named the "Birthplace of Memorial Day" in 1966. Those interested in the history of that time (1866) can visit the 22-room brick home at 33 East Main Street, Waterloo, New York. On view are mementos of the Village of Waterloo, the Civil War, and Decoration Day.
The first official observance of Memorial Day was staged at the Arlington National Cemetery and the Arlington Mansion, home of General Robert E. Lee, and attended by 5,000 people. After World War I all Americans who gave their lives for our country were honored and it was officially declared a national holiday in 1971.
Penned in June, 1868, by General John A. Logan the General Order Number 11 of the Grand Army of the Republic requested national observance. http://www.memorialdayorgin.info/order11.html
The National Moment of Remembrance was passed by Congress in December, 2000, and signed into law by the President. It requests that we exercise a minute of silence on Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time to honor our veterans.
This weekend we remember that our freedoms were not granted without cost. We owe much to our veterans . . . . . . . . . . remembrance is such a small price to pay as we continue to enjoy the "choicest flowers of Springtime."
Like to learn more, please visit:
http://www.usmemorialday.com/
http://www.waterloony.com
http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday.history.asp
While many think of this weekend as the beginning of summer and barbeques in the yard, Memorial Day has a much more solemn meaning.
Sparked by an idea of Henry C. Welles, a druggest in the Village of Waterloo, and the support of General John B. Murray, a very patriotic Civil War verteran, what began as a community event to honor Civil War dead is now dedicated to the remembrance of all veterans.
However, Waterloo was not the only town honoring Civil War dead. About 25 towns, both North and South, laid claim to originating the practice. Among them were: Columbus, Mississippi; Macon, Georgia; Columbus, Georgia; Richmond; Virginia, Boalsburg; Pennsylvania; and Carbondale, Illionois.
It was originally called Decoration Day because graves of Civil War dead were decorated with flags, black banners, and evergreen garland. Today it is known as Memorial Day and observed annually on May 30th. The date choosen as one when flowers would be available throughout the nation.
The Village of Waterloo was officially named the "Birthplace of Memorial Day" in 1966. Those interested in the history of that time (1866) can visit the 22-room brick home at 33 East Main Street, Waterloo, New York. On view are mementos of the Village of Waterloo, the Civil War, and Decoration Day.
The first official observance of Memorial Day was staged at the Arlington National Cemetery and the Arlington Mansion, home of General Robert E. Lee, and attended by 5,000 people. After World War I all Americans who gave their lives for our country were honored and it was officially declared a national holiday in 1971.
Penned in June, 1868, by General John A. Logan the General Order Number 11 of the Grand Army of the Republic requested national observance. http://www.memorialdayorgin.info/order11.html
The National Moment of Remembrance was passed by Congress in December, 2000, and signed into law by the President. It requests that we exercise a minute of silence on Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time to honor our veterans.
This weekend we remember that our freedoms were not granted without cost. We owe much to our veterans . . . . . . . . . . remembrance is such a small price to pay as we continue to enjoy the "choicest flowers of Springtime."
Like to learn more, please visit:
http://www.usmemorialday.com/
http://www.waterloony.com
http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday.history.asp
posted by Helene Ashukian at
8:12 AM
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