Memorial Day In The U.S.

On Memorial Day, Obama Pays Tribute To Fallen -- Reuters

(Reuters) - President Barack Obama paid tribute on Monday to fallen men and women of the U.S. armed services during a Memorial Day ceremony in which he reminded Americans that the country was still at war.

During a solemn visit to Arlington National Ceremony, the resting ground for many military casualties, Obama noted in remarks to visitors that next year would mark the last Memorial Day of the U.S. war in Afghanistan.

"But even as we turn the page on a decade of conflict, even as we look forward, let us never forget, as we gather here today, that our nation is still at war," Obama said.

Unlike World War Two or the Vietnam War, conflicts that touched nearly every American, today most U.S. citizens were not directly affected by the military conflicts overseas, the president noted.

Read more ....

More News On Memorial Day

Obama: Many Americans don't 'fully grasp' the sacrifice of soldiers -- NBC
President Obama in Memorial Day speech: Don’t forget those serving -- Politico
Obama offers salute to Korean War vets as Afghanistan War winds down -- CNN
‘Be worthy of the sacrifice,’ Obama says on Memorial Day -- MSNBC
Obama to nation: Don’t take U.S. troops for granted -- Salt Lake Tribune/AP
Memorial Day: Fallen warriors honored around USA -- USA Today
US honours war dead on Memorial Day -- BBC
US Observes Memorial Day to Honor War Dead -- Voice of America
On Memorial Day, a Reminder to Remember 'Profound' Human Cost of War -- PBS Newshour
A Nation ‘Still at War’ Honors Its Dead -- Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times
Memorial Day warning: Americans too distant from those they send to war -- Brad Knickerbocker, Christian Science Monitor
AP PHOTOS: Americans mark Memorial Day -- Washington Post/AP

A Tour Of Washington's War Memorials

An Image That Always Haunts Me On Memorial Day

The photo, taken by The New York Times’s Todd Heisler, while he was a staff photographer at The Rocky Mountain News in 2005. The night before the burial of her husband’s body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the coffin, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her. Associated Press/Rocky Mountain News, Todd Heisler

WNU Editor: For the complete story, go here.

Bugle Player On Why We Play "Taps"

From CBS News: "Taps" is one of the most somber, haunting songs associated with our nation. On this Memorial Day, WIAT-TV's mike McClanahan follows an Ala. bugle player to a memorial to learn more about "Taps" and what it means to him.

The History Of Memorial Day

The History Of Memorial Day -- Military.com

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

 Read more ....

US Observes Memorial Day

Soldiers salute as "Taps" is played during a military funeral nearby as they were placing flags on graves at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, May 23, 2013.

US Observes Memorial Day To Honor War Dead -- Voice of America

U.S. President Barack Obama will honor the country's war dead with an address Monday, as the United States observes its annual Memorial Day.

The president will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony before his speech at Arlington National Cemetery, just outside Washington, where soldiers have placed American flags on more than 260,000 graves.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, will also host a breakfast at the White House with families of fallen soldiers.

Obama used his weekly radio address Saturday to pay tribute to U.S. service members, saying Monday's national holiday is a time to remember those who died so that Americans "could know peace and live in freedom."

Read more ....

WNU Editor: WNU will be honoring America's war dead throughout the day with tribute videos and news reports.

Memorial Day -- The First Proclamation

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

I. The 30th day 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 church-yard 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.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

By order of

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

Memorial Day Video Tribune

Memorial Day 2011 -- News Roundup

Memorial Day Marked by Parades, Flyovers, Flags -- ABC News

Americans from Washington to California marked Memorial Day with parades, barbecues and somber reflection in a holiday infused with fresh meaning by the approaching 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington honored veterans and America's war dead but also featured special tributes to Sept. 11 first responders, victims and their families. Also fresh in the minds of parade participants and watchers was the killing less than a month ago of Osama bin Laden, who masterminded the attacks.

Read more ....

More News On Memorial Day

President Obama Tours Arlington National Cemetery's 'Section 60' -- ABC news
Obama Marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery -- Wall Street Journal
Obama marks Memorial Day at Arlington -- CNN
President Obama Observes Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery -- FOX News
Obama: Nation owes veterans a debt we can never repay -- USA Today
Obama honors "America's guardians" -- CBS News
Obama Honors Fallen At National Cemetery -- NPR (Audio)

Memorial Day Observance -- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, U.S. Department of Defense
We all feel the loss of brave troops who make sacrifices for our safety -- Adm. Mike Mullen, The Hill
Thanking our Navy for their selfless service -- Adm. Gary Roughead, The Hill
Stories of our brave Marines teach us what it means to be truly selfless -- Gen. James F. Amos, The Hill

From Arlington National Cemetery to Facebook, Americans note Memorial Day -- Christian Science Monitor
Memorial Day comes as troops fight in Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AP
Memorial Day marked by somber rites for fallen -- Reuters
At Tomb of the Unknowns, a ritual of remembrance -- Washington Post
Marching at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Staff Sgt. Pearce remembers the friends he has lost -- CNN
Nation celebrates Memorial Day -- Washington Post (Photo gallery)

THE LIST: IN HONOR OF FALLEN...

MEMORIAL DAY (VIDEO TRIBUTES)

My Two Pics For Memorial Day

History Of Memorial Day

The History Of Memorial Day -- Military.com

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

Read more ....

Getting Ready For Memorial Day

'FLAGS IN' - An Army soldier places a small American flag in front of a grave at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 26, 2011. The soldier is assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard. Soldiers from the unit placed flags in a tradition known as "flags in" in front of more than 260,000 gravestones and about 7,300 niches at the cemetery's columbarium in about three hours. The Old Guard has maintained this tradition since it was designated the Army's official ceremonial unit in 1948. U.S. Army courtesy photo

A Soldier's Reflection For Memorial Day

Graves at Arlington on Memorial Day. Wikipedia.

Viewpoint: A Soldier's Reflection For Memorial Day -- Time

It is the early days of January 2010, and the company forms to the front of the memorial display at the chapel of the forward operating base in Afghanistan. The backdrop for the small shrine: the crossed staffs of an American flag and the regimental colors. An M4 rifle stands upright, its bayonet lodged into a felt-covered wooden desk in front of the flags, the pistol grip facing the audience. The fallen soldier's helmet rests on the weapon's buttstock, shielding it as it once did his silhouette. Two dog tags dangle from the rifle's pistol grip, clamoring in the desert wind. Below, centered on the rifle's barrel and arrayed at the position of attention, are the soldier's desert tan boots — tied, laces tucked.

Read more ....

My Comment: WNU will be continually posting stories and reflections for Memorial Day throughout this long weekend.

Memorial Day 2010

Hat Tip: Wings over Iraq

On Memorial Day, Three Stories Of Loss, Redemption, And Healing -- Christian Science Monitor

Three people who lost loved ones to war honor those who serve and tangibly help others.

The increasing number of homes with gold stars in the window, the sign that a military son or daughter has been lost, is a sad measure of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Read more ....

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

I. The 30th day 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 church-yard 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.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

By order of

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

More News On Memorial Day

Biden Pays Solemn Tribute to Fallen Troops in Arlington Cemetery Ceremony -- FOX News
Obama Not the 1st President to Miss Memorial Day at Arlington -- CBS News
US troops in Afghanistan, Iraq mark Memorial Day -- AP
US troops in Afghanistan mark Memorial Day -- Yahoo News/AP
Military.com Interviews Friedrich St. Florian, Architect of the WWII Memorial in DC -- Military.com
The History of Memorial Day -- Military.com
Memorial Day Quotes and Facts -- Indy Posted
10 Things to Remember About Memorial Day -- Mental Floss
A musical reminder of the war that led to Memorial Day -- Baltimore Sun
Memorial Day, for a father whose son was killed in Iraq -- L.A. Times
Remembering a fallen daughter -- L.A. Times
Uncommon valor on the Common: Flags help families heal -- Boston Herald
Remembering Mark -- Kerplunk
Seeing a fallen soldier home -- Colleen M. Getz, Washington Times
A Military Father Remembers On Memorial Day -- Gen. Paul Vallely (ret.), FOX News
Memorial Day: What Gold Star families want you to know -- Boston Herald
What we remember on Memorial Day -- L.A. Times
A Tale of Two Americas On Memorial Day 2010 -- William Forstchen, FOX News
This Memorial Day, honoring a military that's in isolation -- E.J. Dionne, Washington Post
EDITORIAL: General Orders No. 11 -- Washington Times
In memory of those who gave their all -- Miami Herald editorial
Interactive Map Tool Creates Online Memorial To U.S., Coalition Troops -- CNN





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