Posted by Rick Civelli | 05.30.2011 | WB Surf Camp News

Happy Memorial Day

At WB Surf Camp, we are big on tradition so we would like to share some cool bits of information about Memorial Day and honor those who have fought for our Freedoms. We know and respect that our freedoms are not free and come with a cost that will never be taken for granted.

The History of Memorial Day

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 as people honored those who perished in the Civil War by decorating their graves. The celebration in 1868 was inspired by local observances that had occurred on May 30 in the three years after the Civil War ended.

By the end of the nineteenth century, many towns across the country started celebrating Memorial Day and after World War I, these observances began honoring soldiers who had perished in all of America’s wars.

Where is the birthplace of Memorial Day?

Though several cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; and Boalsburg, Pa., President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y. the official birthplace of Memorial Day back in 1966. Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—was chosen because the town had made Memorial Day a community-wide, annual event. Not only would businesses close, but residents would decorate the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

A national holiday

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery, as a small American flag is placed on each grave. The president or vice-president also usually lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Did you know?

Whether you’re planning to attend a parade or other event in honor of Memorial Day this year, did you know that it’s tradition for a national moment of remembrance to take place at 3:00 pm local time? That means each of us can take a moment, wherever we are, to remember those who have lost their lives in service to our country.