Memorial Day 2011

Remember those who died  . . .

This last weekend in May, the U.S. celebrates Memorial weekend. Last year’s Memorial Day post related its the origins and connection with the red poppy. Here’s more information.

Memorial Day (formerly Decoration Day) is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May to commemorate men and women who died in U.S. military service.

It was first originated in 1868 to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the American Civil War. After World War I, it was extended to honor Americans who have died in all wars and became a national holiday in 1971

On Memorial Day the flag is raised quickly to the top of the staff and solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

The half-staff position remembers those all those who gave their lives in service to their country. At noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time.

The National Memorial Day Parade which includes Marching Bands and Veterans featuring units from all 50 states goes along Constitution Avenue, past the White House and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.

Other Memorial Day “traditions” celebrated in the U.S.

• TONIGHT - The National Memorial Day Concert features musical tributes paying respect to the men and women who died in war and takes place on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol the Sunday before Memorial Day. It’s broadcast on Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and over National Public Radio (NPR). This is a wonderful tribute.
• One of the longest-standing auto races, the Indianapolis 500 race has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911 and was run today, the Sunday before Memorial Day.
• The Coca-Cola 600 stock car race also was held later today since 1961.
• The Memorial Tournament golf event has been held on or close to the Memorial Day weekend since 1976.

Freedom – so precious to everyone.