www.WisVets.com/MemorialDay

Flag Etiquette | Memorial Day Links

Memorial Day began to honor the soldiers who died during the Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was first officially declared May 5, 1868 by a proclamation of Major General John A. Logan, the first President of the Grand Army of the Republic, by General Order No. 11 declaring May 30th as the day of observance.

Over 20 places claim to be the first to have observed "Decoration Day" beginning as early as April of 1866. One hundred years later for its' centennial, Waterloo, NY was named by President Lyndon Johnson and Congress as the "birthplace" of Memorial Day.

After World War I, Memorial Day began to honor the fallen from all American wars. It wasn't until 1971 that Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May. On December 28, 2000, President William Clinton signed the "National Moment of Remembrance Act," which designates 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day each year as the National Moment of Remembrance, in honor of the men and women of the United States who have died in pursuit of peace and freedom. Additionally, the Act created a White House commission on the National Moment of Remembrance to coordinate and encourage Memorial Day events.

To learn more about Memorial Day programs and activities taking place in your community visit the WISCONSIN MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAMS & CEREMONIES LIST.

Memorial Day Flag Etiquette

On Memorial Day the U. S. flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes. To display the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff.

View general guidelines for displaying the flag by clicking here.

Memorial Day Links

Executive Order #282 to lower flags in observance of Memorial Day

VA Recognizes Military Sacrifice on Memorial Day

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Memorial Day Message 2008

Secretary Scocos Memorial Day Message 2008

Wisconsin Veterans Memorials

History of Memorial Day

National Memorial Day Concert

The Story of Taps

The Poppy Flower and Remembrance

America's Wars Fact Sheet

Wisconsin's Fallen Heroes

Wisconsin Veterans Populations

Veterans Pride - Wear Your Medals

White House Commision on Remembrance

Share your Memorial Day stories, photographs, and reflections

Volunteers place U.S. flags on each grave and along the pathways each Memorial Day at Wisconsin's Veterans Memorial Cemeteries. Shown here: Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery - Union Grove, WI.