It all began in 1866, on May 5th, in Waterloo New York, when a group of locals decided to commemorate their Civil War deceased. The group decorated their deceased loved ones’ graves with flowers, and had a brief prayer. Word spread, and within a couple of years, other cities and towns began decorating graves of deceased war veterans. It became so popular, that it officially became known as “Decoration Day,” and it was decided to make it May 30th. Two years later, at Arlington Cemetery, which was the captured home and grounds of Robert E. Lee; 5,000 war widows gathered to decorate the then 20,000 graves of deceased Civil War veterans. (I am certain Robers E. Lee turned over in his grave, having his home turned into a cemetery). In 1941, the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” was dedicated, being made out of pure white Colorado Marble. This pure white marble is rare, since most marble around the Earth, is not pure white. In 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated, and was also made of Colorado pure white marble. The Colorado town of “Marble,” is charming, and the remains of the marble works are fascinating.
In 1967, “Decoration Day,” was changed to “Memorial Day,” and it became a federal holiday. It was also changed from May 30th, to the last Monday in May. Memorial Day, commemorates deceased veterans of all our wars, even the Revolutionary War. It is also called the day who, “Honor All Who Served.”
Memorial Day is celebrated in 17 other nations, and is known as “Heros’s Day.” Here, it is also unofficially known as the beginning of summer, not waiting for the official date of June 21st.
-Don Stott- don@coloradogold.com