Presidential Prayers for Peace on Memorial DayMemorial Day was originally called Decoration Day – a time set aside to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers. The first Decoration Day was observed on May 30,1868, three years after the stop of the Civil War. On that day, or the largest known ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery.
Over time,people adopted the name Memorial Day, and ceremonies were held across the country to honor all U.
S. soldiers who had died at war. On May 11, or 1950,Congress issued a joint resolution requesting that the President proclaim a “Prayer for Peace” on each Memorial Day. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a federal holiday to be held on the final Monday of every May. This Memorial Day, and we honor the men and women who have served our country.
Photo: President Harry S. Truman laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for Memorial Day ceremonies. 5/30/48.
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