CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Memorial Day weekend, May 24 – 27, 2019, is the unofficial start to summer for many Americans. The weekend is more than just barbecues and time spent on the boat. Many Americans will honor fallen service men and women on May 27 as part of Memorial Day celebrations, a tradition that dates to the Civil War.

Originally called Decorations Day, the holiday first spurred in local towns throughout the country. The day was a time to remember the sacrifices of Civil War Soldiers and adorn their graves with flowers. Its first largely observed occurrence was on May 30, 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic called for a day of commemoration for Civil War Soldiers. Nearly 5,000 participants decorated the graves of more than 20,000 Civil War soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.

After World War I, the holiday included all fallen soldiers, not just those from the Civil War. Differing from Veterans day, Memorial Day honors those who have died in military service rather than all service members.

In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May. Cities across the United States host Memorial Day celebrations with parades, dedications, and prayer. In Washington, D.C. each of the 400,000 graves in Arlington National Cemeteries are adorned with flags. The President or Vice-President will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a ceremony attended by about 5,000 people annually.

Flags throughout the country will be at half-staff from sunrise until noon, where it will be raised to the top of the staff. Many people will wear a red poppy, a tradition started a World War I poem.

In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to encourage Americans to stop and pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m Monday.

As we honor our fallen heroes this weekend, readers are invited to submit photos of their loved ones. Share their story as we all honor our nation’s service members. Thank you for honoring your fallen hero in our Memorial Day community gallery – a tribute to America’s finest.

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