This
Monday we observe Memorial Day, a day to honor the brave men and women who gave
up their lives in defense of our ideals and country. We owe our peace and
democracy to them.
We must continue to remember the sons and daughters,
brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers who have lost their lives on our
behalf. May they rest in peace. Thank you.
Brief History: The first
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan,
national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. On Memorial Day, we honor
the men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service to our Nation.
Memorial
Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in
which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the
President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The occasion is also marked in almost every State on the last Monday in May.
Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., local
time, on Memorial Day, asking Americans wherever they are to pause in an act of
national unity. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events;
rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with
family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom.
The flag
should be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings,
grounds and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under
its jurisdiction and control. All people of the United States are requested to
display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary
period.
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Questions about how and when to properly display the
US Flag? One of many online resources: http://www.afa.org/members/uscode.asp
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