The Veterans of Foreign Wars believe people display an aloof observance of the Memorial Day. They expressed this view during a 2002 address adding that making it a three day weekend has belittled its significance.
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May and many want to bring back the importance and acknowledgment. Many Americans disregard that the day is a day of remembrance for those who have died for the country and view it only as a three day weekend.
Originally named Declaration Day, many cities claim to be the birthday place of the national holiday. The official birthplace of Waterloo, New York was proclaimed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. A General, John Logan, dedicated the holiday on May 5, 1868 and it was first observed on May 30, 1868.
The holiday was officially made into a three day weekend by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971. Because of this three day weekend many Americans spend the weekend doing activities with family and friends.
One tradition of displaying support for the veterans is the purchasing and displaying of red poppies. These poppies are sold by the Legion Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars to benefit soldiers in need. This is one popular and long honored tradition which involves honoring those who have died for the country's freedom.
Common activities during the holiday include parades and services in cemeteries which honor the soldiers who have died for the Americans' freedoms. These ceremonies are held in many towns throughout the great nation. An informal Moment of Remembrance for the Nation is recommended for all Americans on the holiday at 3 PM local time to pay tribute to the many who have died for the freedoms of the nation.
Common activities during the weekend include numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and camping with family and friends. Cookouts and picnics with loved ones are also very common pastimes celebrated by many over the weekend.
Showing gratitude of all the veterans have done to provide freedom for the country is an important way to spend the holiday.
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