Memorial Day Silence

President Bush asked Americans to pay tribute to veterans by pausing on Memorial Day for "a moment of remembrance."

AP Photo: Cub Scout Michael Hennigan, 6, of Lindenhurst, N.Y., places flags graveside for Memorial Day .

President Bush asks Americans to honor the sacrifices of those who have fought for the United States — place a flag at a veteran's grave, go to a battlefield or say a prayer. He said the moment of remembrance would be marked Monday at 3 p.m. local time.

Half Staff - Displaying the flag at half-staff on Memorial Day

On Memorial Day the flag is flown at half-staff in the forenoon (the time period between dawn and noon), then raised to the top of the staff. In the morning the flag should be raised briskly to the top of the flag pole, then slowly lowered to the mid-way point of the pole. At noon the flag should be raised to the top of pole. At the end of the day the flag should be lowered slowly and ceremoniously.

History of Memorial Day

History of Memorial Day

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.

It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

US Department of Veteran Affairs

Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 17, is Armed Forces Day. Established in 1949 to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force Days, Armed Forces Day encourages citizens to thank military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.

President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense.

For more information

Earth Day- April 22'nd 2008

Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day is a time to unite around new actions. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet.
Environmental Highlights

On the anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970, the federal government is cleaning the air, promoting land conservation, and improving water quality.

The Bush Administration is focused on achieving meaningful results – cleaner air and water, and healthier lands and wildlife habitats.

* The nation's air is much cleaner today than it was in 1970 and progress will continue.
* The trend of annual loss of wetlands has been reversed.
* Restoration and redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites is accelerating.
* President Bush is meeting his commitment to reduce the National Park Service maintenance backlog.

Or In Your Community

Volunteer

Volunteer.gov/gov Find ways to volunteer with government at all levels. USA Freedom Corps Find service opportunities that match your interests and talents in your home town, across the country or around the world. Forest Service Volunteer Volunteers are the heartbeat of the USDA Forest Service. Your talents and skills are matched with your work preference to satisfy you and fulfill the mission of the Forest Service.

Earth Team Volunteers The Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service needs people 14 and older to help reduce soil loss, protect water supplies, and more. Take Pride in America Help maintain our natural, cultural and historic resources on public lands. More volunteer opportunities

earthday.gov

Martin Luther King Day

On January 21st, American's will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day.

Dr. King was a civil rights leader who sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues.

In recognition of the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2008 is also pleased to join with other organizations in supporting a new initiative, “40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community.” Under this initiative, the King Day of Service will kick off 40 days during which families, schools, faith communities, and other organizations will plan service projects and educational activities promoting Dr. King’s message of nonviolence and social justice. Click here for more information.

For more information, visit the http://www.mlkday.gov/ website.

US Holidays

January 1st is New Year's Day . The celebration of this holiday begins the night before,New Years Eve.

Martin Luther King Day is the third Monday in January. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was an African-American clergyman who is recognized for his tireless efforts to win civil rights for all people through nonviolent means.

Presidents' Day is the common name for the U.S. federal holiday officially designated as Washington's Birthday. It is celebrated on the third Monday of February.



Easter falls on a spring Sunday that varies from year to year. Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Memorial Day is the fourth Monday of May. It originally honored the people killed in the American Civil War, but has become a day on which the dead of all wars. The flying of the American flag is widespread.

Independence Day is July 4th. This holiday honors the nation's birthday – the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The flying of the American flag is widespread.

Labor Day is the first Monday of September. This holiday honors the nation's working people.

Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October.



Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th. Originally called Armistice Day, this holiday was established to honor Americans who had served in World War I, but it now honors veterans of all wars in which the U.S. has fought.

Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November.

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25. Christmas is a Christian holiday marking the birth of the Christ Child.