Gen. John A. Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans group formed after the Civil War, proclaimed the commemoration, which originally was called Decoration Day.
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“It’s about remembering those who died so that other people could think about summer picnics and all the other things people do on Memorial Day”, said U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford, the former S.C. governor.
As dozens of flags lined the cemetery’s driveway, fluttering in a light wind under a sunny sky, King remarked it was the most attractive he had ever seen the cemetery.
Monday marked the inaugural Memorial Day service at the Northeast Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Rayville. But I do know that 100 years ago young Americans just like me were about to head off to fight in a world war, and they fought for the ideals that would go on to define the American century.
Memorial Day is not just a day off, he said.
The difference between Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day, we are reminded, is that the former honors the living who served their country in the military, while the latter honors those who died in the line of duty.
Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations.
Fox Ten News is committed to honoring veterans. It’s a small sacrifice from your Memorial Day fun to thank those who have sacrificed a lot more.
In all, more than 1.3 million Americans have died in war since the country was founded.
The flags are important to families of veterans buried at the cemetery and to all Americans. More than 10,000 spectators from across the state line the streets.
“We expect at least 500 Desert Storm veterans to attend the event”, said Roberts in an interview with the Washington Free Beacon. The wall is owned by Los Angeles Metro and officials from the company said it will have their police department keep an eye on the area until Memorial Day.
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No matter where you are or what you’re doing today, you can participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., a minute of silence designated by Congress in 2000 to honor and remember those Americans who paid the price for our freedoms.
