On Memorial Day and every day, AUSN salutes, remembers and cherishes those who gave their lives protecting us, our country, our democracy, and our liberties. The last Monday in May was commemorated as Memorial Day, a national holiday, by an act of Congress in 1971, but the holiday, also known as Decoration Day, was recognized much earlier.
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died in service to our country and embrace the families of the fallen.
It was first observed at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868, to honor the sacrifices of Civil War Soldiers. President James A. Garfield shared these words, “We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” Memorial Day became an observance to honor all of America’s fallen after World War I.
AUSN’s Steve Rogers participated in a wreath presentation ceremony during Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery where President Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also spoke. Many Veteran-serving organizations also participated in the solemn ceremonies honoring military sacrifice of Soldiers from as far back as the War of 1812 through modern times.
“It was very, very moving,” says Rogers. “As I watched the ceremony unfold, what went through my mind was the absolute necessity that students need to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier because a heavy price was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
While he had last visited Arlington National Cemetery years ago, Rogers spent time at the Welcome Center which held photos of Soldiers from many wars. “What escapes the thoughts of many Americans is that these were 17-, 18-, and 19-year-old kids who were fighting battles to save our freedom,” he reflects. “At AUSN, we have to be part of turning the tide and bringing this knowledge back to our schools and educational institutions to invite this generation of young people to learn about our history.”
This was the 156th observance of Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery, which overlooks Washington, D.C., and the Lincoln Memorial.
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