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Memorial Day: Remembering the Fallen Heroes

May 26, 2014 by Meredith

Today, we honor those in the American Armed Forces who gave their lives while fighting for our nation’s freedom and principles. All sacrifices are worthy of remembrance.

an american flag on the grave of a sergeantMemorial Day, also called Decoration Day in some locations, began at the end of the Civil War. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers died during the War Between the States. Shortly after the war, women, freedmen, and veterans took time to visit the gravesites of those who had died in battle. Some even created monuments to honor their commanders. Brigadier General Strong Vincent created an early Civil War memorial. The Brigadier General’s brigade defended Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg.

memorial to General Strong Vincent at Gettysburg National Military Park

These observances were first followed by organizations and local communities. In 1971, Memorial Day became a national holiday by act of Congress. By this time, the remembrance had also grown to include those who died in all American wars.

image of three gravestones of three revolutionary war soliders

To honor the memory of these fallen soldiers, national cemeteries such as Gettysburg National Cemetery and Arlington National Cemetery have been created. The locations of some cemeteries are the actual places where soldiers died. For example, there are American cemeteries around the world to honor the heroes who never made it back to their homeland.

a picture overlooking Arlington National CemetaryAnother way we honor these heroes is through the erection of monuments—to individuals, events, and wars. Here are several famous monuments located in the Washington, D.C., area.

US Marine Corps War Memorial
Iwo Jima memorial
USS Maine Mast Memorial 
image of the memorial engraving for the USS Maine
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

image of the vietnam memoria gathering-5-2014

Visitors can find the names of friends and family members on the wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and make pencil rubbings. I made a pencil rubbing of a family member’s name when I was there.

image of a little girl shading a name into a piece of paper at the Vietnam Memorial.Youth Activity Ideas for Memorial Day

  • Read about this federal holiday in Heritage Studies 4 and about different memorials in Heritage Studies 5 from BJU Press
  • Visit dedicated veteran’s cemeteries near you or those located in Washington, D.C.
  • Participate in Memorial Day parades
  • Place American flags or flowers at military graves
  • Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time

How do you and your family observe Memorial Day?

Filed Under: Successful Learning Tagged With: Armed Forces, Civil War, history, Memorial Day, military, soldier

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About Meredith

Meredith, a marketing team member at BJU Press for five years, is passionate about Christian homeschooling. Having used BJU Press materials as a homeschool student herself, she knows firsthand that excellent curriculum can spark a child’s love for learning. Meredith also enjoys exploring historical sites, volunteering for her church’s children’s ministry, and building discipleship relationships with younger women. Read more posts by Meredith. Read more posts by Meredith.

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