National Memorial Day 2020: This year the concert will pay tribute to the men and women who are doing and working for us to fight against COVID-19. The old tradition of honouring and remembering troops, veterans, wounded warriors, etc. who have given their lives for freedom, and their families.
It is also known as Decoration Day which was originated during the years of Civil War and in 1971 it became an official holiday. Do you know why it is known as Decoration Day?
As on this day, people used to decorate the graves of the soldiers. So, it became a tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags. It is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to the country U.S. It was first observed on 30 May, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of the Civil War soldiers.
National Memorial Day: History
As discussed above, this day was started as an event to pay tribute to the soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. Basically, it was inspired by the way people of Southern States honoured their dead people. After World War I, all men and women were included in this day died in any war or military action.
Originally Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day. Do you know the current name that is Memorial Day came after World War II? Earlier it was celebrated on 30 May. Let us tell you that on 30 May, 1868, it was first observed by the proclamation of Gen. John A Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organisation of former Union sailors and soldiers.
Anti Terrorism Day: History and Significance
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed by the Congress in 1868 to establish Memorial Day as the last Monday in May which had created a three-day weekend for federal employees. But until, 1971, it did not become an official federal holiday.
Further, during the first national commemoration, former Union Gen. and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. After, this around 5000 participants came forward and helped to decorate the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
After the Civil War, this event was inspired by the local observances. New York in 1873 became the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. By the late 1800s, several more cities and communities observed Memorial Day and various states declared it as a legal holiday.
After World War I, it became a tradition to honour those who died in America War's and so widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States.
National Memorial Day: Celebrations
On this day, every year, in several cities and towns across the United States parades were hosted incorporating military personnel and members of veteran's organisations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.
By visiting, cemeteries and memorials Americans also observe this day. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in the war which as a tradition began with a World War I. Traditionally, this day also is seen as a start of the summer season so cultural programs also took place. Several people choose to hold a picnic, sports events and family gatherings this weekend.
The tradition of celebrating this year is changed due to COVID-19 pandemic but the goal is the same. This year the concert will be live streamlined on PBS.org, Youtube and Facebook.
Therefore, Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organisations.