Memorial Day 2012
Memorial Day is celebrated toward the end of May each year to commemorate all who have died while in the United States Armed Forces. Here is a little history and cultural information about the Federal holiday as well as some great military deals available this Memorial Day:
Origins of Memorial Day
Originally called “Decoration Day” it began as a way to remember those that had fallen in the Union Army during the Civil War. Mourners of deceased soldiers would decorate soldiers graves with flowers and special church services were held. The first recorded “Decoration Day” was May 30th 1868, after Union General John A. Logan instructed civilians to decorate, “the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”
On this first Decoration Day, 5,000 participants decorated over 20,000 graves and this tradition continued in states across America up until after WWI.
The Evolution of Memorial Day
After the horrors of WWI, Memorial Day evolved from being a day purely dedicated to remembering veterans from the Civil War to a day that remembers and honors all Americans that have died in all wars. It is now a Federal holiday celebrated throughout the country. Typical celebrations include attending Memorial Day Parades and parties that honor fallen servicemen and women.
Our team at VeteransAdvisor would like to wish you a great Memorial Day and to say thank you to all that have served and fought for our great nation. We appreciate all that you have sacrificed and are honored to have you on our site.
Military Deals this Memorial Day
Knott’s Berry Farm - Free admission is offered to military members with ID on Sunday 5/27 and Monday 5/28.
Busch Gardens – Free admission to military members and up to 3 dependents get free admission throughout the year
Sea World – Free admission to military members and up to 3 dependents get free admission throughout the year
National Parks – Free annual pass to National Parks for military families
Blue Star Museums - Free admission for military members to more than 1,500 Blue Star Museum throughout the summer
Sesame Place Parks – Free admission to military members and up to 3 dependents get free admission throughout the year
Watch Out for Scams this Memorial Day
Although all of the above deals above are legitimate, BBB (Better Business Bureau) is warning that many Memorial Day scams are likely to occur. To read more about this story and how to avoid being a victim of a scam see here.
