National Cemetery For A Veterans Day

A veteran standing solemnly at a beautifully adorned grave, American flag fluttering in the breeze, autumn leaves scattered on the ground.. — National cemetery for a veterans day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the fascinating origins of national days! Today, we're diving into the significance of National Cemetery for Veterans Day.

When is Cemetery For A Veterans Day?

It's national cemetery for a veterans day on the 11th November.

The History of National Cemetery for Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, we remember and honor the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. It's a day to express our gratitude for their sacrifices and pay tribute to their service. One of the ways we commemorate Veterans Day is through visits to national cemeteries, where fallen soldiers are laid to rest.

The idea of national cemeteries originated during the American Civil War, a devastating conflict that resulted in the loss of countless lives. To provide a dignified final resting place for fallen soldiers, the United States established national cemeteries across the country. These hallowed grounds serve as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who defended our nation.

Visiting a national cemetery on Veterans Day allows us to reflect on the valor and heroism of those who served. As we walk among the rows of gravestones, each one representing a life cut short in service to our country, we are reminded of the importance of freedom and the cost at which it comes.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the first national cemetery in the United States was Arlington National Cemetery? Located in Arlington, Virginia, this iconic burial ground is the resting place of many American heroes, including President John F. Kennedy.

History behind the term 'Cemetery For A Veterans'

1864

The Beginning of National Cemeteries

In 1864, during the American Civil War, the U.S. government established a national cemetery system. These cemeteries were intended to honor and provide burial spaces for Union soldiers who had lost their lives in battle. The first national cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery, was established in Arlington, Virginia. It was initially the estate of General Robert E. Lee and was confiscated by the government during the war.

1866

Decorating Graves with Flowers

After the Civil War, a practice known as Decoration Day emerged in various parts of the United States. This day was dedicated to decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. The act of adorning the graves with flowers served as a way to remember and honor their sacrifice. Decoration Day was observed on different dates in different regions of the country.

1868

Officially Declaring Memorial Day

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a proclamation that officially designated May 30th as Decoration Day. This day was chosen because it did not coincide with any significant battle anniversary and was deemed appropriate for the widespread observance of the holiday. The proclamation called for people to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and pay tribute to their memory.

1882

Renaming Decoration Day

Over the years, the term 'Decoration Day' gradually shifted to 'Memorial Day' as a way to encompass honoring all fallen soldiers, not just those from the Civil War. The name change reflected the broader scope of the holiday and its significance in commemorating the sacrifices of military personnel from various conflicts in American history.

1971

Establishing the Official Memorial Day

In 1971, the U.S. Congress passed the National Holiday Act, which designated Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May. This ensured a three-day weekend for Americans to pay tribute to the nation's fallen heroes. Memorial Day became an important occasion for not only visiting cemeteries but also participating in parades, attending memorial services, and reflecting on the sacrifices made by veterans.