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Memorial Day was originally created in 1868 to honor Union soldiers who died while fighting in the Civil War. Because of this, Southern states did not observe Memorial Day until after World War I, when the holiday was expanded to include all soldiers killed in all wars. Originally called "Decoration Day,” Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11 and honors living veterans.
Obama Administration vows to bring troops home
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Mr. Obama pledged to bring American troops home from Afghanistan. |
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Earlier this year in his State of the Union address, President Obama pledged to bring U.S. troops home from Afghanistan. He stated: “This year, we will work with nearly 50 countries to begin a transition to an Afghan lead. And this July, we will begin to bring our troops home.”
Since al-Qaida leader and 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden was killed on May 1, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll found that six in 10 Americans agreed with the statement that the United States "has accomplished its mission in Afghanistan and should bring its troops home."
As men and women return from combat operations overseas, they often have difficulty getting used to non-military civilian life.
According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for veterans aged 20 to 24 is been estimated at 27 percent. This is far more than the national average of about 9 percent. What’s more, veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are required to transform their military skills into experience that civilian employers are seeking.
In order to give veterans tools to help them succeed, Congress introduced the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011 on May 11.
“The Hiring Heroes Act tackles this challenge head-on -- helping our men and women in uniform obtain good jobs when they come home," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "This legislation strengthens much-needed training programs for veterans, and encourages businesses and government contractors to hire the brave men and women who have developed valuable skills and professionalism while in the armed forces."
Communities honor soldiers through 'The National Moment of Remembrance'
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The National WWII Museum suggests showing your pride by flying an American flag or interviewing a veteran. |
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There are many ways for Americans to be active participants in Memorial Day. Some of the suggestions put forth by the National WWII Museum include using a Facebook profile to show pride in American veterans.
The museum also encourages young people to conduct an oral history interview with a veteran they know. Placing an American flag on a veteran’s grave is another show of support.
“The National Moment of Remembrance” will take place at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. It is a national moment of silence lasting one minute to remember those who have died while serving in the military.
You can also look up soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan in the PBS NewsHour's “Honor Roll.”
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Joplin was able to rise from the ashes because of help from everyone. And I am eternally grateful to anyone who made that possible.
