Do you know the history behind Memorial Day? Memorial Day began after the end of the Civil War as a way to remember the many people killed on both sides, and to start healing the deep rift between the North and the South. In the years following the war, people in various communities around the country were known to place flowers, wreaths and flags on the graves of the war dead. That’s why the holiday was originally known as Decoration Day.
Although Decoration Day has been practiced since 1868, it wasn’t officially recognized as a federal holiday until 1967, when Congress renamed it Memorial Day and declared the last Monday in May a federal holiday. The original date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a major battle.
Now, as a way to honor all military personnel killed in service to their country, on Memorial Day, all flags are raised completely and then slowly lowered to half staff until noon. At noon, the flag is raised to full staff, to symbolize a nation raising up the memory of their war heroes. Many Veterans wear red poppy flowers as a symbol of Memorial Day, and many Veterans’ Organizations sell the flowers as fundraisers.
Each Thursday before Memorial Day, soldiers place flags in front of each of the more than 260,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery, and then patrol around the clock to make sure each flag remains standing throughout the weekend.
Dr. Rooney, his family and staff wish to thank all our Veterans and their families for their service to our country!
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