Memorial Day 2007

Normandy American Cemetery

"Let us then at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonour; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assit those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldiers and sailor's widow and orphan."

By order of
John A Logan, Commander-in-Chief
Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic,
General Order No. 11 Washington D.C. May 5, 1868

Decoration Day or Memorial Day as we currently call it was a natural outgrowth of the desire on local communities to honor the fallen following the American Civil War. General Logan Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic issued General Order No. 11 in May of 1868 bringing national recognition to the subject of honoring the nations fallen. Following World War I the day was expanded to honor all those who have died during all American Wars.

US Combat Deaths

Revolutionary War 4,435

War of 1812 2,260

Mexican War 1,733

Civil War 184,594

Spanish/American 385

WWI 53,513

WWII 292,131

Korean Conflict 33,651

Vietnam Conflict 47,369

Persian Gulf War 148

Iraqi Freedom 3,441

US Combat Deaths

So as you enjoy your day off from work and your 3-day weekend remember the price paid and more importantly remember the "Why" behind this Memorial Day.