MIAMI.- Memorial Day is a day to remember to all those who have died serving the United States in combat, a date on which it also seeks to raise awareness about the problems faced by veterans within the framework of a heartfelt tribute to those who disappear, die in combat and prisoners of war.
Memorial Day is the fourth federal holiday this year and it is commemorated on the last Monday in May, so this 2024 will be May 27, a long weekend that Americans take advantage of for domestic tourism. Many travel offers are made to Washington where activities are concentrated with parades and concerts with a celebration that begins on May 24.
In 2023, air travel increased more than 11% or 3.4 million people flying during that holiday weekend. It is a day where the beaches of Florida become an excellent alternative for fun. Many families also take advantage of visiting parks and museums. Most choose to take their vehicle and go on family trips to places relatively close to their residence.
Decoration Day
It was originally called Decoration Day, due to the ancient tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags. The initial date was May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiersby proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.
New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday in 1873. By the end of the 19th century, many more cities and communities joined in observing the day, although it took several years for it to become official nationwide.
Although Memorial Day only honored those who died in the Civil War, this changed after World War I.. And since then all those who have died serving their country in combat have been remembered.
Federal holiday since 1971
In 1971, the United States Congress declared the last Monday in May a Federal holiday.. That day at Arlington National Cemetery there is a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the president or vice president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Arlington National Cemetery is the largest military cemetery in the country, where thousands of veterans and members of their immediate families rest. On the eve of Memorial Day, military men and women place American flags on more than 250,000 graves, receiving support from the Memorial Day Flower Foundation by handing out free roses to visitors who come to participate in this tribute.
The United States flag is also placed at half-mast. from dawn to noon. On the other hand, like other federal holidays, on Memorial Day, government offices, banks and some private sector businesses are closed. For many Americans it represents the beginning of the summer season.
Parades and concerts
The National Memorial Day Parade along Constitution Avenue, which runs just north of the United States Capitol in the Northwest and Northeast quadrants, historical events are recreated with the participation of veterans and active duty military personnel, along with musical performances and celebrity appearances. The parade will take place ‘live’ in Washington and will be signed for a television special that will air on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide.
National Memorial Day Concert Salutes Sacrifice Made by Men and Women in Uniform, as well as their families. The concert will be broadcast from the West Lawn of the US Capitol on Sunday, May 26 at 8 pm. The event will also be broadcast live.
Located just outside Arlington National Cemetery is the Iwo Jima Memorial. (also known as the Marine Corps War Memorial) one of the most moving monuments in the region. From 6 a.m. to midnight, you can view this impressive sculpture depicting the six American soldiers who raised the second American flag on Iwo Jima, a fiercely defended Japanese fortress, on February 23, 1945, signifying a United States victory. United in the Pacific during World War II.
Source: WASHINGTON ORGANIZATION / EL PAÍS / AS/ DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS
