Veteran memorials in 3 states vandalized ahead of Memorial Day

And we have lots of people to honor today.

Soldiers placed almost a quarter-million US flags at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday as part of a Memorial Day tradition. “Why did this happen right at Memorial Day weekend?” A ceremony, organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor all Americans who died in wars, will take place at 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial in Greenmount Cemetery.

“Yet as we protect freedom by courage in arms, we shall every day continue the search for an honorable peace”.

So, how did Memorial Day come to be?

Other cities take credit for initiating the idea of a special day each year to honor fallen or wounded soldiers. The plan was to decorate the graves of the slain with flowers.

Thieves dug a series of small pits looking for artifacts from the Union Army’s nine-month blockade of Richmond and the neighboring city of Petersburg, targeting a field where more than 1,000 Union and Confederate soldiers died. In fact, Veterans Day is largely meant to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.

There were more than 500,000 USA fatalities in the wars that followed -World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. But there are also parades, fundraisers for veterans, and other activities across Long Island that could help us better commemorate today’s holiday.

The last Monday in May is now a Federal holiday and formerly called Decoration Day.

Americans love their three-day weekends – the grilling, the sales, the beaches, the road trips. Some are attending community yard sales.

The presidential proclamation issued by President Barack Obama notes that 3 p.m. local time Monday is the designated time for all Americans to observe, in whatever way they choose, the National Moment of Remembrance.

Memorial Day is a holiday often connected with the end of the school year, the start of vacation season and a time for outings and picnics, but its true goal, honoring America’s fallen heroes, should not be overshadowed.

There are several opportunities in Lancaster County, from memorials and church services to re-enactments and parades.