Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is observed each year on the final Monday of May. The history of Memorial Day goes all the way back to the Civil War. The purpose of the day was to remember the fallen Union soldiers. Southern women and school children decorated Confederate graves with flowers during and after the war. This decoration of the graves, giving the name, “Decoration Day”. By the 20th century Memorial Day was changed to honor all soldiers that have died in war.
From the beginning, flowers have been a symbol of Memorial Day; graves of soldiers were decorated with flowers to honor them. Though the first Memorial or Decoration ceremonies were held in April, Major General John Logan of the Union Army declared Decoration Day held on May 30 because, it is believed, that is when flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The Red poppy became a symbol of the day because the red color symbolizes the blood that was spilled.
Flags
For Memorial Day 1951, the Boy Scouts of America started the tradition of placing American flags on each of the 150,000 graves at the Jefferson National Barracks Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. The idea spread and since the late 1950s, flags have been placed at gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery every Memorial Day. All American flags are supposed to be flown at half-staff until noon when raised, but it's unclear of any symbolism of the gesture beyond tradition.
Wreaths
A wreath laying ceremony is a traditional practice during which funeral wreaths are laid at a grave or memorial site. It is done as a formal sign of respect towards a particular tribute (e.g. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier). These are formal ceremonies that involve high ranking dignitaries such as heads of state. Once a wreath is laid, the person who lays the wreath goes a few steps back to bow/salute the memorial. During wreath laying ceremonies of a military nature, bugle calls such as "Taps" are played.
Observe The Holiday
Parades are held across the country to observe the holiday, but Memorial Day weekend has transformed into the weekend to kickoff summer. Because the holiday has lost its original meaning for many, in 2000 The National Moment of Remembrance Act was signed into law. 3:00 p.m. local time was selected for people across the United States to stop what they're doing for a moment of silence to honor soldiers who died while on active duty.
Local Traditions
Nowadays people purchase a memorial basket and place it in the cemetery for their loved ones even if they weren’t in the military.
On this Memorial Day start your own traditions. Purchase a Memorial Day flower basket from the Floral Gallery and take it to the cemetery to honor someone who was in the military. Watch the Memorial Day Parade in Marlborough at 10 AM. Participate in the moment of silence or the playing of “Taps” at 3:00PM. Don’t wish anyone a “Happy Memorial Day”, but Honor some American Heroes.
Tags: wreaths, local traditions
