05/25/2026
A good read on Memorial Day. Remembering all those who died fighting for our freedom.
25 MAY 2026
MEMORIAL DAY – Did You Know?
• Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day” after the American Civil War and began as a tradition of decorating Soldiers’ graves with flowers, flags, and wreaths.
• The first ceremony took place at Arlington National Cemetery on 30 May 1868 where both Union and Confederate Soldiers are buried.
• The National Cemetery Administration, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams of the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia with being the first to express the idea of an annual date to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans with flowers.
• After World War I, the holiday expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in service to our Nation.
• In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
• Protocol for flying the American flag on Memorial Day includes raising it quickly to the top of the pole at sunrise, immediately lowering it to half-staff until 12:00 noon, and displaying it at full staff from noon until sunset.
• A National Moment of Remembrance is encouraged each Memorial Day at 3:00 PM local time across the United States.
• Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in our Armed Forces, while Veterans Day honors all who served in the military.
Join us for a special Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Infantry Museum on Monday, May 25 at 11:00 AM in Cavezza Hall. This meaningful indoor ceremony will honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation through remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.
The ceremony will feature a keynote address from COL (R) Rob Choppa, along with a community gathering dedicated to preserving the legacy of America’s fallen heroes.
