MEMORIAL DAY – MAY 30, 2015
Intro: First “Memorial Day”- spring 1865. May 30, 1868 was declared “Decoration Day”…honor graves of our brave. In 1971, Congress moved date to last Monday in May- not popular- critics note detraction from seriousness of occasion, for a 3 day holiday! Since 1950’s, a pres. Vp has made a speech and placed wreath at tomb of unknown soldier. The Civil War marked the most horrific event in America’s history. Our boys fighting and killing OUR BOYS! On Nov 19, 1863, cold and damp, a piece of land was dedicated to those boys who fought in one of the fiercest battles- only 2400 people lived in Gettysburg, PA…but 75000 Conf. and 97000 Union fought for 3 days, with 51000 casualties. The greatest president of our nation was invited to speak:…