Memorial Day History and Upcoming Celebration

The Whitehall American Legion Post #24 and the Ralph Sullender Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4603 will have a Memorial Day service in the veteran's area of the Whitehall cemetery at 10 AM on Monday, May 30.

A special recognition of World War I will be a part of the ceremony this year. Your attendance at the Memorial Day service and the World War I ceremony is an excellent opportunity to show your support and appreciation for all those who have served in the armed forces of this great nation. Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made by veterans who gave us the freedoms we enjoy today.

Every year, on the last Monday in May, Americans observe Memorial Day. Originally called "Decoration Day," Memorial Day is a holiday that commemorates those who have died in battle while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Historians have traced the origin of Memorial Day back to the American Civil War. The end of the fighting brought great relief and peace to many and was also a time of intense grief. Thousands of soldiers lost their lives and those who survived often returned home to hear that their fathers, brothers, and other relatives had been killed in the war. Following the end of the war, people across the country decorated the graves of Civil War soldiers with flowers and flags, held special services for the deceased with songs and speeches, and honored the dead in other solemn ways.

An important figure in establishing the official observance of Memorial Day was General John A. Logan. On May 5, 1868, General Logan issued an order to designate May 30 as a day to honor those who died in the Civil War by decorating the graves of soldiers and sailors from the North and South. General Logan called it "Decoration Day."

In 1882 the name changed to Memorial Day.

In 1971 President Richard Nixon declared it a national holiday with Memorial Day being observed on the last Monday in May.

Today, veterans and volunteers place flags on the graves of veterans, sell small red artificial flowers called poppies to raise funds for disabled veterans, and the American flag flies at half-staff until noon. Memorial Day is more than just a day to remember Civil War soldiers who died for our country. The United States has fought in many others wars, and there are countless people who have died serving our country. Memorial Day is a time to honor any American service member who has fought and died in an American war.

Let us remember the fallen in all the American Wars:

• American Revolution

• War of 1812

• Indian Wars

• Mexican War

• Civil War Spanish-American War

• World War I

• World War II

• Korean War

• Vietnam War

• Gulf War Era (includes Afghanistan, Desert Storm, Iraq Freedom, Panama, Grenada, Somalia)