Today we remember the many brave soldiers who gave their lives to preserve our freedom. Here are a few facts and links about this special day:
1. Memorial Day was originally called, "Decoration Day." Shortly after the Civil War, women decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers.
2. The name was changed to Memorial Day in 1971. The last Monday in May was set aside as Memorial Day to guarantee a three-day weekend every year.
3. Red poppies became a symbol of Memorial Day. A poem called, In Flanders Fields, inspired the American Legion to sell crepe paper poppies handmade by veterans. The donations received are used to aid hospitalized and disabled veterans, as well as their dependents. This tradition was to remember the veterans of World Wars I and II.
If you'd like to read the poem, In Flanders Fields, you can find it at Wikipedia.
For 10 Facts About Memorial Day, check out this link.
In the midst of parades, picnics, and weekend get-aways, let's stop for a few moments and remember their sacrifice. Oh - and if you see someone selling poppies, be sure to make a donation.
Photo Credit: foobean01
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing these facts, Susan. I appreciate the sacrifices that those in our military make on our behalf. Have a great week! :)
I did not know it was called Decoration Day at one time! Nor, I must admit, did I know that Poppies were part of Memorial Day! In Canada however, they are sold for our Remembrance Day on November 11th every year.
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