Memorial Day: How and Why Americans Honour This Holiday?

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For many, Memorial Day means the unofficial start of summer, but it carries a much deeper significance.  The observance of Memorial Day is a tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America. This commemoration stems from the aftermath of the American Civil War, a conflict between Union and Confederate soldiers that centered around the expansion of slavery. The Civil War had a profound and lasting impact on the nation, ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery and a strengthening of the federal government's powers. We will delve further into the historical context of Memorial Day USA under the subheading “The History of Memorial Day” described below.



                                        Courtesy to Diocesdan

 

When is Memorial Day 2023?

 

Memorial Day holiday comes as a federal and military holiday in the United States. It is traditionally observed on the final Monday of May annually.  Memorial Day this year will fall on May 29th, marking a day of remembrance and commemoration.

 

Memorial Day and Decoration Day.

 

Memorial Day and Decoration Day are synonymous terms. Initially, Memorial Day was referred to as Decoration Day. During the era of the Civil War, a custom emerged where individuals adorned the graves of deceased soldiers with floral arrangements, wreaths, and flags. This practice persisted beyond the conclusion of the Civil War as a means of paying tribute to the sacrifices made by those who perished in the conflict. In 1971, it was formally designated as Memorial Day.

 

The decision to assign it to a Monday was deliberate, as it provided the opportunity for a three-day weekend, affording more time for remembrance and honoring the memorial day.

 

Memorial Day and Veterans Day

 

Veterans Day which is also known as Military Day is an annual observance held on November 11th. While Veterans Day pays tribute to all individuals who have served in the United States military, regardless of whether they served during times of war or peace, the Military Memorial Day holds a distinct purpose of honoring those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.

 

As eloquently expressed by Tamra Bolton, "This is the day we offer our deepest respect to all those who did not return home." This distinction between the two American holidays is vivid and clarifying, highlighting the solemnity and significance of Memorial Day in commemorating fallen heroes.

 

How does America celebrate Memorial Day?

 

Remembrance followed by a parade

 

Memorial Day is a cherished occasion in America when the nation pays tribute to the valiant souls who courageously served their country. It is a day dedicated to honoring the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their homeland. As a national holiday, many government offices remain closed, allowing people from all walks of life to come together in the streets to participate in the commemorations and lively parades.

 

The essence of the day can be summarized as follows:

 

 At precisely 3:00 PM local time, a poignant moment of silence is observed, encouraging individuals to reflect on and pay their respects to the heroes of the war. This reflective pause is followed by vibrant parades held in numerous towns and cities, featuring the participation of war veterans, military personnel, marching bands, and various community organizations.

 

Flag hoisting

 

Flags will be hoisted on the top of the staff on a memorial day and will be lowered to half till it is noon. After noon, flags are raised again to full staff. This half-staff position resembles mourning for the fallen.

 

Cemetery visits

 

People make pilgrimages to military cemeteries, where they express their deep respect for the fallen soldiers. They leave offerings such as flowers, American flags, and other tributes as symbols of their reverence. Furthermore, the country witnesses a multitude of memorial services taking place throughout the day. These solemn gatherings encompass speeches, prayers, and the poignant sound of "TAPS," a bugle call traditionally played as a tribute to the deceased.

 

Family gatherings

 

In addition to its significance as a day of remembrance, Memorial Day also holds the distinction of marking the unofficial beginning of the summer season. The extended three-day weekend offers families the opportunity to come together and celebrate with loved ones through enjoyable activities such as cookouts, barbecues, and picnics. It is a splendid occasion to cherish the company of family and friends together with the nation which exudes a spirit of Memorial Day celebration.

 

Memorial Day Military Discounts

 

The number of businesses offering Memorial Day deals for veterans in honor of Memorial Day has been steadily increasing each year. On this significant day, military personnel are honored with exclusive discounts on purchases and receive special favors at hotels and restaurants, among other establishments. This growing trend highlights the recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces. It serves as a gesture of gratitude from businesses towards military personnel on this meaningful occasion.

 

The History of Memorial Day

 

Memorial Day's origins can be traced back to the American Civil War, which occurred from 1861 to 1865. This historic conflict pitted the Northern states, known as the Union, against the Southern states, known as the Confederacy. The core issue of the cause of the civil war was the idea of expansion of slavery. The war came to an end when Abraham Lincoln, a strong opponent of slavery became the president of America. His win gave more confidence in the Union camp and slowly Southern states ceded to join the Union of States led by Abraham Lincoln.

 

The immediate outcome of the war

 

  • The preservation of the United States as one unified country was ensured. 

  • Slavery was eradicated through the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, which granted freedom to enslaved individuals and abolished slavery across the entire nation. 

  • Additionally, there was an increase in federal power as a consequence of the Civil War, leading to a reconfiguration of the dynamic between the federal government and the states. 

  • The conflict solidified the supremacy of the federal government over individual states.

 

Famous memorial day quotes

 

  •   On thy grave, the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation!

-          Thomas William Parsons

  •  Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.

-          James Bryce

  • A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

-          Joseph Campbell

  • Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.

-          Billy Graham

  • My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

-          John F. Kennedy

  • Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

-          George Washington

  • For the love of country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.

-          James A. Garfield

  • Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.

-          Eleanor Roosevelt

  • Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” –Unknown

  • Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget, in time, that men have died to win them.” –Franklin D. Roosevelt

  • We must be prepared to make heroic sacrifices for the cause of peace that we make ungrudgingly for the cause of war. There is no task that is more important or closer to my heart. Albert Einstein

 

In summary, the celebration of Memorial Day in the present-day world holds significance in terms of honoring sacrifice, fostering unity, supporting veterans, promoting patriotism, and encouraging education and historical preservation. It is a solemn occasion to remember and pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

 

 

(The content is crafted specifically for the client's needs, and they retain full ownership rights. I, as the writer, have been compensated for my work.)

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