Memorial Day is a special day in Las Vegas, a big military town. It’s a day to remember and honor the people who bravely served in the military and sacrificed their lives to protect our country. We wanted to do more than get ready for a big family gathering this holiday and consider what went into the history of Memorial Day in Las Vegas and the Nation.
Looking for things to do this holiday weekend? The Vegas Kids Zone Events calendar is full of fun things to do today with families and ways to honor local military.
Grab this downloadable Memorial Day decoarting kit with cupcake toppers and goody bag headers for FREE!
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Should You Say Happy Memorial Day?
This has popped up as a question in the VKZ Facebook group over the years and on Instagram, but there was no clear majority rule on if it was proper or not. While it has been solemnly observed since October of 1864 in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania as wreaths were placed on gravestones of fallen Civil War servicemen, the celebration of this somber holiday has had it’s detractors.
In an 1869 article in The New York Times, the holiday was in jeopardy of losing its solemnity if observers put more celebrating with dinners and showy events. As early as 1871, there was worry that the importance of the day was being diluted by celebratory gatherings. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass gave a Decoration Day speech at Arlington National Cemetary admonishing Americans who were forgetting the impetus of the Civil War, slavery.
“We must never forget that the loyal soldiers who rest beneath this sod flung themselves between the nation and the nation’s destroyers,” Douglass said.
Here are seven important things you should know about Memorial Day:
- Remembering Heroes: Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the heroes who fought for our freedom. They were very brave and selfless.
- Date and Observance: Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It’s a national holiday, which means people across the country take the day off to remember and pay their respects. It’s origins are from the American Civil War, which killed more than 600,000 service members from both Union and Confederate armies, from 1861-1865.
- Flags at Half-Staff: On Memorial Day, flags are flown at half-staff until noon. This is a way to show respect for the fallen soldiers.
- Parades and Ceremonies: Many towns and cities hold parades and ceremonies on Memorial Day. People come together to remember and show gratitude for the soldiers’ sacrifices.
- Wreath-Laying: A common tradition on Memorial Day is to lay wreaths or flowers on the graves of soldiers way to honor their memory and show appreciation for their service.
- Moment of Silence: At 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, a national moment of remembrance takes place. It’s a time when people pause for a minute to think about the soldiers who lost their lives.
- Start of Summer: Officially, Memorial Day is a day of reflection and remembrance of those who have died while serving in the U.S military. Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial start of summer in the United States. Many people celebrate by having barbecues, going on picnics, or spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Remember, Memorial Day is not just about having fun, but also about showing respect and gratitude to those who made sacrifices for our country. It’s important to honor their memory and remember their bravery.