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Abe Lincoln

“You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich...strengthen the weak by weakening the strong...bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift...lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down...build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence...help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves." -Abraham Lincoln

Monday, May 30, 2011

First Called Decoration Day

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.  It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers where place on the graves of the Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  New York was the first state to recognize this holiday, with the rest of the Northern States following.  It was not until World War ! the the Southern states, stated to recognize this holiday.  In 1922 VFW post started selling red poppies. 1950 soldiers started placing flag on the gravies of soldiers.  Starting in 1998 on the Saturday before Memorial Day, Boy Scouts, started placing the flags on the graves.  In 2000 we have been asked to stop for a moment at 3:00  to remember what this day is about, because to many have forgotten, so sad, that many still have no idea.. Please stop and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, then those who have worn or are wearing the uniform, so we may keep our freedom.  Please remember those who have given it all for our freedom.

3 comments:

Kandas | GratitudeGeek said...

Thank you so much for sharing this tidbit!

yorkie's primitives said...

I remember when it was called Decoration Day too Rose. And I agree that we need to stress to our younger generation the importance of this day. God Bless our Troops!!

My Colonial Home said...

THis is something I used to know but as 'my years' went by I realized after reading this that I haven't even thought about the 'origin' part of it. Thank you so much for sharing!

Karen