In 1866 following the Civil War, a drugstore owner named Henry Welles suggested that the shops in Waterloo, NY, be closed for a day in remembrance of the soldiers who were buried in Waterloo Cemetery. Around the same time, a memorial ceremony called Decorations Day was held, which honored those soldiers who survived the war.

The two ceremonies were combined in 1868 and were celebrated on May 30. Then in 1882, the name was changed to Memorial Day, and soldiers of other wars were honored as well. In 1971, President Nixon declared Memorial Day as a national holiday to be held on the last Monday in May.

Now, Memorial Day is held to pay respect to the men and women who have died in wars or in the service of their country, as well as a day to honor the memories of all of our loved ones who have died.

Another excellent site for war resources can be found at Memorial Day. You'll find links to websites for the American Revolution, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War.

Memorial Day is a time when we honor our dead, but it is also a time for families to get together to cook out and enjoy the spring weather. Yahoo!'s Memorial Day website offers links to information about the wars as well as links to barbecue, fireworks, and marching band sites.

"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan . . ." said Abraham Lincoln. The website for the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a listing of benefits for veterans and their survivors, facilities where veterans can obtain help, and special programs for veterans.

Specific Wars

American Revolutionary War links

Civil War Archive Homepage

Spanish-American War Centennial Website

The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century (WWI)

Korean War Project

Personal Legacy: The Healing of a Nation (Vietnam War)

Desert-Storm.com (The Persian-Gulf War)

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

Back to Main Articles Page