Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 27. While it is a national holiday and often a day of gathering for families and friends, it should also be a day of recognition and reflection. Memorial Day is one of the two official US Holidays recognizing the commitment of America’s military services, with Memorial Day honoring those individuals who have lost their lives while defending our country.
At Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, we would like to thank and recognize all our faculty, staff, alumni, and students who have committed to service for our country. We also thank their families members and loved ones. Your service is crucial, and we cannot thank you enough for all that you do.
History of Memorial Day Facts
- The American Civil War of 1861 to 1865 claimed the lives of more than 550,000 people. During those years, many citizens began to place flowers on the graves of the war dead. Several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the originators of Memorial Day, but in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed Waterloo, New York, as its official birthplace.
- May 30 was set an annual date since most flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
- Memorial Day was originally known as “Decoration Day”
- After World War II, it became known as Memorial Day.
- Among the ceremonies held on the first Decoration Day was one at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington. President Ulysses S. Grant presided. After the speeches and tributes, thousands of war orphans, veterans and others decorated the graves of the Civil War dead. This tradition continues. The U.S. president or vice president typically presides at a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington and places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, also known as Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
- In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as a federal holiday and fixed its observance on the last Monday in May.