MEMORIAL DAY - Decoration Day was
first observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of the
soldiers of the Civil War. Flowers and other decorations were to be
placed on the graves. The alternative name Memorial Day, began being
used in 1882. After World War I, observances began for all those that
had died in all American wars. In 1968, congress passed the Uniform
Holidays Bill, which moved the dates of three holidays to a specified
Monday. These holidays were Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, and
Veterans Day. Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday in May. The
law took effect in 1971. Today, on Memorial Day, a small American flag
is placed on each grave at Arlington National Cemetery and it is
customary for the president or vice president to give a speech in honor
of the contributions of those that have died to protect our freedoms and
lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Many people all over
America visit cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of
remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. ET. Another tradition is to fly the
flag at quarter staff from dawn until noon, local time.
FLAG DAY (June 14) - The Second Continental Congress adopted the flag of
the United States on Jun 14, 1777. Flag Day was established by an Act
of Congress in August, 1949.
INDEPENDENCE DAY (July 4th) - Commemorates the adoption of the
Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which declared independence
from Great Britain. The first recorded use of the name Independence
Day occurred in 1791. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday
for federal employees in 1870, and a paid federal holiday in 1931.
VETERANS DAY - President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day to be
November 12, 1919. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended
at the 11th hour on the 11th day in the 11th month of 1918, with the
German signing of The Armistice. Congress passed a resolution in 1926,
requesting that November 11, be the appropriate day for ceremonies and
an Act in 1938, made the date a legal holiday dedicated to the cause of
world peace and to be celebrated. Al King, a Kansas shoe store owner,
wanted to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans. A bill was
later passed by congress and signed into law in 1954, replacing
"Armistice" with "Veterans" Day. Starting in 1971, in accordance with
the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth
Monday of October. In 1978, it was moved back to its original
celebration on November 11.
