Every year, on the last day of May, Americans pay tribute to the sacrifices made by military men and woman who have paid the ultimate price for their service to the nation. Over 1.34 millions American men and woman have died in wartime service, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Over 666,440 American soldiers have died in combat, while nearly 674,000 others died from non-combat related reasons. On May 27, 2024 we will once again pay tribute to the men and women who served their country and remember them. Memorial Day is a time when Americans look back at their past and forward to our future. We acknowledge our debt to those men, women and children who chose to be warriors because they loved peace. Could there be anything more contradictory than our soldiers’ lives? They love America so much that they spend years away from her shores. They love freedom so much that they sacrifice themselves for our freedom. They defend our right as individuals to live, but they sacrifice their individuality for that cause. They value life and are willing to die for our country. Deborah Y. Parker, Moment of RemembranceMemorial Day observances will include everything from parades to memorial services and organized moments silence. The Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance pays tribute to America’s fallen soldiers. The “Moment”, established by Congress in 2000 asks Americans to pause, wherever they may be, at 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day for one minute as an act of respect and national unity. What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is an American federal holiday that honors the men and woman who died in the armed forces of the United States. The holiday, which occurs every year on the final Monday in May, was originally known as Decoration Day. It began after the American Civil War, to honor the Union and Confederate troops who died during the war. Memorial Day was extended in the 20th century to honor all Americans killed while serving in the military. The United States flag is traditionally flown at the highest point of the staff on Memorial Day. It is then solemnly lowered until noon and then raised back to full-staff. The half-staff is to honor the more than a million men and woman who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Six Things Every American Should Understand About Memorial Day.
Flags placed at Arlington National Cemetery by the 3rd Infantry Regiment (the “Old Guard”). Many people visit memorials and cemeteries, especially to honor those who died in military service. Many volunteers place an American Flag on each grave at national cemeteries.
DoD photo taken from www.Army.mil Top photo from U.S. Air Force Poster 2008.
