Education
Military Funeral Customs
The practice of draping the casket with the national flag: This custom began during the Napoleonic Wars (1796-1815). The dead carried from the field of battle on a caisson were covered with flags. When the U.S. flag covers the casket, it is placed so the union blue field is at the head and over the … Continued
The Origin of “Taps”
During the Civil War, in July 1862 when the Army of the Potomac was in camp, Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield summoned Pvt. Oliver Willcox Norton, his brigade bugler, to his tent. Butterfield, who disliked the colorless “extinguish lights” call then in use, whistled a new tune and asked the bugler to sound it for him. … Continued
Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Two national Holidays, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, honor the sacrifice of Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and celebrate the people who served and the values Americans hold as a nation: duty, honor and civic responsibility. The holidays, though they commemorate the sacrifices of thousands of American service members, are distinctly different. … Continued
FAQs
The Memorial Day Prayer Card The prayer is not restricted to a particular religious denomination. The prayer card is meant to honor and remember those Americans who died defending freedom. Free prayer card download, click here. Donation for 50 or more prayer cards shipped to large groups or organizations for use on Memorial Day. Privacy … Continued
Gold Star Mothers
During World War I families with men in the service displayed banners with blue stars in the center. The number of blue stars indicated the number of family members in the service. As soldiers were killed their families superimposed a gold star over the blue star. The gold star symbolized the honor and glory accorded … Continued
The Price of Freedom
Military Casualties-Source Department of Defense Since the inception of the United States of America on July 4, 1776 every generation of Americans have been called on to defend freedom and liberty. Over the years more than forty two million American men and women have served their country in time of war. More than a million … Continued
National Moment of Remembrance
The National Moment of Remembrance was created by President William Clinton to observe a moment of silence to occur at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on each Memorial Day. This is to encourage Americans everywhere, to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made … Continued
Memorial Day Button History
Our Mission To increase awareness and respect for Memorial Day and its sacred meaning by encouraging all Americans to wear a Memorial Day Button as a visible symbol to honor and remember those Americans who gave their lives for our freedom and liberty. Before World War I many Americans wore a Memorial Day Button (as … Continued
About Memorial Day
Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day. It was a day set aside for us to honor those who died preserving the Union in the Civil War. It was called Decoration Day for the act of decorating the graves of dead soldiers with flowers. On May 5, 1868 General John Logan, National Commander of the … Continued
How to Observe Memorial Day
How To Observe Memorial Day “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond … Continued