Memorial Day 2008

I know that this was last Monday (May 26), but I still felt I needed to blog about this day and what it means to me. As a US History teacher, I have come to respect those that have gone out in to the world and placed their life on the line for our country and for the people of other nations. I had created a powerpoint presentation for my classes, but was not able to load it onto blogger. So I have included some pictures that represent the history of Memorial Day and representations of those who have served in all of the wars American soldiers have fought and died in.

Memorial Day started in 1868 as "Decoration Day". On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan (Civil War Veteran) declared in General Order No. 11 that:

“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”

Since then, it has been observed on the last Monday in the month of May. However, it no longer represents only those who fought and died in the Civil War, but all American soldiers who lost their lives in the heat of battle. We remember those on this day. We remember their sacrifice, their courage, and their dedication to our country.






























































































































































Revolutionary War (1775 – 1781)
American Deaths: 4,435 (approx.)

War of 1812 (1812 – 1815)
American Deaths: 2,260 (approx.)

Mexican War (1846-1848)
American Deaths: 1,733 (approx.)

Civil War (1861 – 1865)
American Deaths: 214,938 (approx.)

Spanish-American War (1898)
American Deaths: 385 (approx.)

World War I (1914 – 1918)
American Deaths: 53,402 (approx.)

World War II (1939 – 1945)
American Deaths: 291,557 (approx.)

Korean War (1950 – 1953)
American Deaths: 33,741 (approx.)

Vietnam War(1954 – 1975)
American Deaths: 47,424 (approx.)

Persian Gulf War(1990 – 1991)
American Deaths: 147 (approx.)

War on Terrorism/Iraq War(2003 – Present)
American Deaths: 4,450 (approx.)

*All numbers taken from The History Channel website. All numbers represent those that have died in battle.

I very much understand that the above list does not include all of the engagements that our military has been involved in that history does not recognize (my opinion is that it should).

Thank you to all of the above. Those that have lost their lives in battle for our nation, for other people of other nations, and the way that I see it...for me...you will never, never, never be forgotten!