Morning everyone,
Today in the USA is Memorial Day.
Are you aware of the history behind this holiday? According to The History Channel:
...Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit ….MORE….
There are many resources online that will really open your eyes to Memorial Day and what our soldiers go thru/have experienced. These include:
Bloggers
- Top 25 Military blogs – 25 Mom Military blogs.
- 5 Riveting Soldier’s Blogs – A Soldier’s Thoughts
- Military Blogs – from Military.com
- Let Soldiers Blog – from a top general
War Memorials and Genealogy
- American Battle Monuments Commission
- Fallen Hero’s Memorial
- Full List of Memorial Day Memorials and Casualty Files
- Missing In Action But Not Forgotten Resources
- Military Genealogy Resource Sites
Memorial Day Celebrations
- USA Memorial Day Parade Directory
- How to Observe Memorial Day
- National Memorial Day Parade
- Rolling Thunder
Soldier Networking
- Air Force Locator
- Army Locator
- Military Locators
- Military Personnel Locator
- Military Unit Homepages
- Navy Locator
- Unofficial Air Force eMail Locator
- Vet Friends
Women in the Military
- History of Women in the Military
- Women in the Military
- MiliWomen
- Native American Women with Military Service
- Women’s Memorial
African Americans in the Military
- African American Military History
- Black Military History Month
- The National Association for Black Veterans
- Tuskegee Airmen
- The National Association of Black Military Women
- Black Wings
Veteran Associations
- Disabled American Veterans
- Military Veterans Association List
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- US Department Veteran Affairs
- VetFriends
- Veterans for Peace
- Veterans Service Organizations
Military Associations
- American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services
- American Retirees Association
- Blind Veterans Association
- Disabled Veterans Association
- Fisher House
- Legion of Valor
- Military Officers Association of America
- National Veteran’s Association
- National Military Family Association
- Noncommissioned Officers Association
- OCS Foundation
- Retired Officers Association
- Society of American Military Engineers
- Society of Military Widows
- Special Forces Association
- Special Operations Association
- The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
- Veteran of Foreign Wars
- Veteranscorp.org
- Vietnam Veterans of America
LBGT Military Associations
Military Dogs
- Adopt a Retired Military Dog
- Bucks Heros
- Military Working Dogs Team Monument
- US War Dogs Association
As you know, wars are still raging today. Here are some resources to help you support our soldiers:
- Any Soldier
- Books for Soldiers
- eMail Our Military
- Operation Give
- Sending To Soldiers
- Soldier’s Angels
Are you an educator and would like lesson plans regarding Memorial Day? Here are some goodies I’ve found for you:
- EdHelper Memorial Day Theme Unit
- Education World Memorial Day
- Memorial Day Activities
- Memorial Day Online Puzzles
- Memorial Day Resources
- National Education Association Memorial Day Lessons
- Teacher’s Corner Memorial Day Lessons
Remember….Memorial Day is not just a day away from work or school or what have you.
Instead, it’s a time to honor our men and women who put their lives on the line for us and our children.
Never forget that.
Powerful Memorial Day everyone,
Barbara
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