There are no words to thank our national heroes for the sacrifices they have made for all of us. Warm wishes on Memorial Day to everyone!
Interesting Facts About Memorial Day
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The holiday started after the Civil War.
By the time the Civil War ended in the spring of 1865, it had claimed so many soldiers’ lives — a devastating 620,000, the most of any conflict in American history — that it necessitated the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries, according to History.com. Within about a decade's time, Americans across multiple locations had started to hold rituals each spring as a way to honor the lost soldiers, by decorating their graves.
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But its significance changed over time.
Its origins after the Civil War make Memorial Day about 150 years old — but it has morphed over time. After World War I, the day expanded to include the tradition of honoring all who have died in all American wars. And it wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day’s modern history was really defined: That’s when it became a national holiday by an act of Congress passed three years earlier (known as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act) and its observation was sealed as the last Monday in May.
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In fact, it wasn’t always called Memorial Day.
It was originally known as Decoration Day. That’s because it was originally celebrated by decorating the graves of soldiers who lost their lives — with such items as flowers and flags. Some still celebrate the same way, although the name evolved over the years.
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