Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. It was first officially observed on May 30, 1868, as Decoration Day, when flowers were placed on both Union and Confederate graves as a way of reconciliation and bringing both sides together.
After WWI the holiday changed from recognizing just the Civil War dead to honoring those who died fighting in any war.
On the Thursday before Memorial Day the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery (see top photo). They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing.
On your Memorial Day visit to Washington, D.C., you’ll not only observe the stirring sight of all those American flags against the white marble headstones, but you can also watch the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Every Memorial Day there is a special ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This year the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), the National Park Service, and the Department of Defense will be joined by President Obama at the Wall. The President will be the keynote speaker, helping to launch the DOD’s 2012 commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the war.
The National Memorial Day Parade has become a tradition that draws up to 250,000 enthusiastic spectators. This year the American Veterans Center, organizers of the parade, has announced that the “grand finale” will be designated a tribute to the sacrifices of the Iraq war generation.
Special guests of the 2012 parade include Grand Marshal and legendary pilot Chuck Yeager, as well as actors and supporters Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, and Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler.
A timeshare rental in the Washington, D.C., area can be a budget-friendly way of staying in our Nation’s Capital and discovering more about Memorial Day and the recognition of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Timeshare rentals at Wyndham’s Old Town Alexandria currently start at just $69/night.
Photo Credit (top): leesburg.patch.com
Photo Credit (bottom): nationalmemorialdayparade.com