US Patriot Flags Memorial Day Sale begins May 2025!
“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.”
–James A. Garfield, May 30, 1868, Arlington National Cemetery
Originally known as Decoration Day due to the tradition of decorating graves with wreaths or flags, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 on the last Monday of May. On this day we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Memorial Day 2025 will occur on Monday, May 26th. On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.
Confederate Roots of Memorial Day
While Memorial Day is often associated with honoring Union soldiers, its origins and subsequent celebrations are deeply intertwined with the Confederate heritage. In the Southern states, the commemoration of the Civil War dead evolved into a unique expression of remembrance that often blended elements of both Union and Confederate traditions.
The Ladies Memorial Association, a group of Southern women dedicated to preserving Confederate history, played a pivotal role in shaping Memorial Day celebrations in the South. They took charge of maintaining Confederate memorials and ensuring that they were properly decorated on the holiday. The Daughters of the Confederacy, founded in 1894, continued this legacy, growing rapidly in membership and influence.
In the early years of Memorial Day, Southern ceremonies often honored both Union and Confederate soldiers, reflecting a desire for reconciliation and healing. However, as time passed, the focus on Confederate heritage became more pronounced. By the late 19th century, the Daughters of the Confederacy and other Southern organizations were actively promoting a narrative that emphasized the sacrifices made by Confederate soldiers and the ideals they fought for.
While Memorial Day today is primarily seen as a national holiday honoring all Americans who have served and died in the nation’s wars, the Confederate roots of the holiday continue to be a subject of debate and discussion. Understanding this complex history is essential for appreciating the full significance of Memorial Day and its enduring legacy.
