Memorial Day

About Memorial Day:

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. While we do not know when Memorial Day first started, we do know it began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War and there is evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War.

In May of 1966 President Lyndon Johnson officially claimed Waterloo, New York as the birthplace and though some people think it's a day to honor any and all dead, this holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country.

Fun Facts:

• Red poppy seeds were worn after the civil war to represent the blood-shed of the solders.
• One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.
• It is traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer by many, for many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day.
• Washington DC held the first Memorial Day parade in 2004 in over 60 years

Activities:

• Create a flag our of craft sticks, paint, ribbon and stars
• Decorate a plain old hat box in red, white and blue to store and serve your picnic desserts.
• Make patriotic door hangers
• Research family war heroes, the battles they fought, and the place they are buried.
• Discuss the sacrifices and bravery of our solders from the past
• Have a parade!