Memorial Day What is Memorial Day? Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery is located in Virginia, right outside of Washington, D.C. Southern Civil War General Robert E. Lees home was confiscated by the US after the war and turned into a cemetery for fallen soldiers. Facts About Arlington Soldiers from every US war are buried at Arlington. 4,000 former slaves from Freedmans Village are buried at Arlington. Soldiers who die while on active duty, retired members of the Armed Forces, and certain Veterans and Family members are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Notable people buried at Arlington include: John F. Kennedy Jackie Kennedy Onassis Robert Kennedy William Halsey Robert Todd Lincoln George Westinghouse The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier An unidentified soldier from WWI is buried in this tomb. The guard protecting the tomb is changed every hour (Changing of the Guard). The guards are very meticulous and silence is expected from visitors. Changing of the Guard How Can You Honor Memorial Day? 1.Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 pm for 1 minute on Memorial Day. 2.Fly an American flag/ be patriotic! 3. Visit a historical landmark or site. *Union has many! 4. Donate/ Volunteer to a military cause *Buy Poppy flowers Get Involved! Memorial Day in Union 2015 Attend the 2015 parade to honor the memory of fallen servicemen and women: Monday, May 25, AM-12 PM. Visit one of Unions memorials in town. Pop Quiz!! 1.Why did Americans first start celebrating Memorial Day? The Civil War. 2. What is the importance of Arlington? It is a national cemetery to honor the military. 3. T/F: Memorial Day was originally called Armistice Day. False: It was called Decoration Day. 4. T/F: Every US president is buried at Arlington. False Assignment You will write an essay about the importance of Memorial Day. Not only will it be counted as a grade in this class but they will be sent to the Superintendent. Essays are due on Wednesday, May 6th