May God Bless Our Troops!
In America, all good comes from those who rise to the occasion. No one knows that more than the troops of the US military, and many have died while rising to said occasion. From D-Day to today, their sacrifice has never been in vain.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, and regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was born out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead.
Honoring Our Military Dead
It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as it was called then, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.
On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. It is now observed in almost every state on the last Monday in May after the Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971. This helped ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays, which you’ll also hopefully get to enjoy. There is a list of the 2021 Federal Holidays for those who are not sure how that falls on their working week and what it’ll mean for the businesses they work for during this time.
Flags at Half Staff for Memorial Day
In traditional observance, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of 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. Other traditional observances included wearing red poppies, visiting cemeteries and buying something like these navy flags for sale before placing such items or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes, as well as visiting memorials.
Sailors of Fleet Week in New York
Fleet Week New York, now in its 27th year, is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.
On April 13th 2015, the Navy announced that visiting ships would be: USS San Antonio, USS Barry, USS Stout, USCGC Spencer, USCGC Sturgeon Bay. These ships will be available to all to visit.
Coast Guard Cutter Spencer Underway
Visitors should plan on wearing comfortable clothing. If you are bringing a bag or camera case, it will be searched prior to entering. Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses if it is going to be sunny. A ship is an industrial environment, so avoid high-heels; open-toed sandals; necklaces that can get caught and bags that will be too heavy to comfortably.
However you celebrate Memorial Day, be sure to take a moment to honor the many fallen men and women who fought and died defending our country. You likely wouldn’t be here without them.
May God Bless Our Troops!
