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Featured Map for 30 May 2011:
Memorial Day

  The United States celebrates Memorial Day as a day to honor men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began after the American Civil War by proclation of General John A. Logan who issued General Order No. 11 which began:

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.

Just over 100 years later, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Public Law 90-363) moved the observance of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, which happens to be the 30th of May this year.

Today's Featured Map illustrates some of the major wars in which the United States has been a combatant. If you are in the United States, or are a U.S. citizen, please pause for a moment at 3 pm local time to reflect on those who died for your country.

References and additional information:

• U.S. Memorial Day
• Memorial Day History
• General Order No. 11
• Public Law 90-363
• 5 U.S.C. § 6103

 

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