MEMORIAL DAY
MEMORIAL DAY - AN INTRODUCTION
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May.
Originally called Decoration Day, it was formalized by a "Memorial Day Order" issued by Grand Army of the Republic Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan in 1868.
The modern proclamation calls on Americans "to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace."
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The original name was “Decoration Day” - a day to decorate the graves of soldiers (especially in early years, Civil War soldiers).
Karen adds - My mother was a bit “old school” and called the day “Decoration Day” most of the time.
I knew a retired military chaplin - who objected to moving it from May 30 to the last Monday in May. He thought people would have a three day weekend and would forget about the soldiers who gave their lives. (And, he was at least partially right. Americans do like three day weekends - Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). Memorial Day is also considered as the unofficial start of summer - going to the unofficial end of summer on Labor Day weekend.
Boy Scouts (and others) frequently put flags out in cemeteries on soldiers graves.
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Robert E. Lee (and family) owned the estate across the Potomac River from Washington DC. His wife’s family was descented from Martha Washington and built the estate across from the (new) Capitol City in 1802.
The earliest burials were Civil War soldiers who were too poor to have their bodies embalmed and sent home, so became the burial plot for these civil war dead. The majority of Civil War deaths were from illness - for every three that died in battle - five died due to illness.
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BEING A HONOR GUARD AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Currently, the Tomb Guards work on a three Relief (team) rotation - 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 96 hours off. However, over the years it has been different.
The time off isn't exactly free time. It takes the average Sentinel 8 hours to prep their uniform for the next work day. Additionally, they have Physical Training, Tomb Guard training, and haircuts to complete before the next work day.
How many steps does the Sentinel take during their 'walk' by the Tomb of the Unknowns and why? Twenty-one steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
The average tour at the Tomb is about a 18 months. However, there is NO set time for service there. Sentinels live either in a barracks on Ft. Myer (the Army post located adjacent to the cemetery) or off base if they like. They do have a living quarters under the steps of the amphitheater where they stay during their 24 hour shifts. If they are of legal age, they may drink except while on duty.
Qualifications to be an Honor Guard
Be a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment and become ceremonially qualified
Be between 5' 10" and 6' 4" for men, or 5' 8" and 6' 2" for women, with a proportionate build and weight
Have an unblemished military record and be in excellent physical condition
Pass an interview and a two-week trial
Memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history during the trial
Have strong military bearing, discipline, and stamina
Be able to perform seven different types of ceremonies, honors, and walks flawlessly
Have extensive knowledge of the Tomb, Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Army, and their unit
The Tomb is guarded, and has been guarded, every minute of every day since 1937.
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JOKES -
My father was a jokester. He quipped that when he visited the tomb of the unknown soldier,the soldier’s mother was there putting flowers on his grave.
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MAYU JOKES:
What do you call a bee born in May? May bee
Which crime-fighter likes May the most? Robin
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims.
What season is it when you are on a trampoline in May? Spring-time.
Can February March? No, but April May!
Why are oak trees so forgiving? Every May they “turn over a new leaf”.
How can you tell that Jedi’s like the month of May the most? Because they always say, “May the Fourth be with you.”
Who conducts the spring orchestra? May-stro.
What is May’s favorite genre of music? Heavy Petal!
What May flowers grow on faces? Tulips (Two-lips).
Which cute mouse loves the spring? Maysy
What did Spring say when it was in trouble? May Day!!
Which state loves spring the most? May-ne
What is May’s favorite generation? Baby bloomers.
Who’s the most important person in a Spring wedding? The MAYtron of honor.
What goes up when May rain comes down? An umbrella
What is May’s favorite beverage to drink when it is thirsty? Spring water.
What is May’s favorite movie? Singing in the Rain.
What is the shortest month of year? May.
How can you tell when May is happy? When there is a spring in its step.
What does May put on its pancakes? May-ple syrup.
How does May keep its garden look so beautiful? With a lot of thyme.
What is May’s favorite sauce? May-onnaise.
What month has the highest rank in the army? May-jor May!
Why is May always a chaotic month? Because it brings with it plenty of May-hem.
What do you call a snowman in May? A puddle.
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LOVE WINS,
LOVE TRANSFORMS
Karen Anne White, May 26, 2024
