|
If you love Memorial Day, then Arlington, Virginia, is the place to visit. This historic American city is the home of Arlington National Cemetery, a place where nearly 4 million people go each year to honor and remember those who sacrificed so much to serve our country.
This 200-acre landmark was designated as a military ceremony in 1864. More than 300,000 people are currently buried at Arlington, which hosts nearly 100 graveside services each week, along with special ceremonies such as Flags In, a Memorial Day tradition in which members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) place American flags before the gravestones and niches of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery, and at the U.S. Soldier's and Airmen's Home National Cemetery just prior to Memorial Day weekend. What better way to spend Memorial Day than the place that memories call home?
A Memorial Day celebration in Arlington, Virginia, would not be complete without a party; and without some downright patriotic party supplies. These could include both full-sized and miniature American flags, with the smaller flags being made available to guests as take-home favors, along with cups, plates and dishes that also come emblazoned with the good ol’ stars and stripes.
Hanging overhead the party site could be tulle and tissue banners in various shades of red, white and blue, as well as paper links and sleek satin banners in the same colors. A festive table centerpiece—perhaps a vibrant starburst—would complete this table setting. Another nice—and very meaningful—accent would be posted photographs of departed friends and family members that partygoers wish to remember on this special day.
Make this Memorial Day a particularly ‘memorable’ one with a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. Indeed, an amazing place to visit for Independence Day is Arlington, Virginia; the place where memories find a home.
|
Right click to copy the the printable Memorial Day puzzle below.
|
Right click to copy the the printable Memorial Day puzzle
|
* Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
* Memorial Day's origins go all the back to the Civil War. It was at the end of a brutal war, a war in which brother fought brother and the best of friends became the worst of enemies.
* During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General 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 buried in the cemetery.
* It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971).
* It is the unofficial kick off to summer. To honor those Americans who died fighting for our freedom, we have parades, lay flowers on the graves of our lost Americans, we gather together with family and friends and barbecue to remember.
* Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
* The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.
* The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
|
Educational Memorial Day History Learning Guide
Mardi Gras Party Supplies
