5/24/13
Dear Friends,
Following the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865, a national Decoration Day was created to commemorate the fallen Union and Confederate soldiers. Since then, Decoration Day has become Memorial Day and has been expanded to honor all the fallen soldiers from every theater of war.
In 1967, Congress officially recognized the last Monday of May as Memorial Day. People across the country will pay tribute by decorating the grave sites of members of the military. Click on the links below to learn more about the importance and history of Memorial Day.
- The first Memorial Day occurred on May 5th, three years after the Civil War ended. The ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery and was presided over by General Ulysses S. Grant and his wife. To learn more about the history of Memorial Day, click here.
- Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity to say thank you to the thousands of men and women enlisted in our armed forces. The United Service Organization (USO) works to "lift the spirits of America's troops and their families". To make a donation to support the important work of the USO, click here.
- On Memorial Day, it is tradition to hang flags in public spaces at half mast. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has published a guide with all the standard protocols, including how to properly fold a flag. It can be found here.
As we take this time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we must also ensure that those who are serving currently are protected from harm and recognized for their courage and sacrifice. In that effort:
- As a Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus, I joined with Women’s Policy, Inc. to organize a briefing for other women Members on sexual assault in the military. Representatives from the military and advocates were present to discuss steps they are taking to address this critical issue. My colleagues and I are dedicated to ensuring that sexual assault is not tolerated and those responsible are held accountable.
- I and fellow members of the Women’s Caucus took part in the 16th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery. This event honors our nation’s servicewomen and women veterans for their courage and achievements, and remembers women who have died while on duty serving the United States. It was an honor to meet and spend time with incredible women who are serving our nation.
Monday, May 27th, will be the 144th Memorial Day celebration. While spending time with your family and loved ones, take a moment to reflect on the many sacrifices made by the men and women in our armed services who have made this celebration possible.
