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The History of Memorial Day
The History of Memorial Day
(pbs.org)
Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers.
During that first national commemoration, former Union Gen. and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
This event was inspired by local observances of the day that had taken place in several towns throughout America in the three years after the Civil War. In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities observed Memorial Day, and several states had declared it a legal holiday. After World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all of America’s wars and was then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States.
In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Resources to Learn More and Use in Your Classroom:
Resources to Learn More and Use in Your Classroom:
Forgetting Why We Remember by David Blight published at the New York Times
Black People Created Memorial Day - The Root
Tips for Teaching Younger Students:
It's crucial to emphasize that Memorial Day is about honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Avoid glorifying war or focusing on battles with this age group. Instead, focus on themes of:
Service: People who dedicated their lives to serving their country.
Remembrance: Keeping the memories of those who have passed alive.
Gratitude: Appreciating the sacrifices made for our freedom.
Culturally Responsive Activities:
Explore Diverse Military Histories:
Research and share stories of service members from different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. This helps students understand that people from all walks of life have served in the U.S. military.
Look for stories of Native American code talkers, African American soldiers in the Civil War or the Tuskegee Airmen, or Hispanic Americans who have received the Medal of Honor.
Discuss Different Ways of Remembering:
Talk about how different cultures honor their deceased. This can include discussing different traditions, ceremonies, and symbols of remembrance.
This can broaden students' understanding of how people express grief and gratitude.
Focus on Community and Service:
Connect Memorial Day to the idea of community service and helping others.
Discuss how people can serve their community differently, not just through military service.
This can help students understand the broader meaning of sacrifice and service.
Create a Classroom Memorial:
Create a respectful and inclusive classroom memorial where students can honor those who have served.
This could be a display of artwork, poems, or written messages of thanks.
Be mindful of religious symbols and ensure the display is inclusive of all students.
Invite a Veteran to Speak (If Possible):
If possible, invite veterans from diverse backgrounds to speak to the class about their experiences.
This can provide students with a personal connection to military service and help them understand veterans' sacrifices.
Ensure the veteran is comfortable sharing their story in an age-appropriate way.
Activities to Avoid:
Detailed descriptions of battles or violence: This can be too graphic and upsetting for young children.
Promoting one particular view of patriotism or military service: It's important to respect diverse perspectives and avoid generalizations.
Focusing solely on war: Emphasize the theme of remembrance and honoring those who served rather than focusing on the details of conflict.
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