Memorial Day Clipart
Observed last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors military members perished serving American armed forces. While only formally federal holiday since 1967, tradition traces originating decoration ceremonies after the Civil War uniting to memorialize fallen soldiers from both Union and Confederate sides.
History of Memorial Day
Various towns hosted tributes to lost Civil War troops during 1866 springtime before northern General John A. Logan declared May 30, 1868 officially designated for commemorating war dead by decorating graves nationwide. Waterloo, New York gets credit for hosting earliest observances that inspired Logan’s proclamation instituting Decoration Day adopted by northern states. Southern states separately honored fallen soldiers earlier until after World War I when the unified federal holiday embraced all states.
Congress sanctioned Memorial Day in 1971 regulation to streamline calendars on the last Monday of May. Bipartisan lawmakers passed the National Holiday Act securing the date.
Memorial Day Traditions
Typical observances include:
- Town parades with marching bands and veteran groups processing
- Politicians and clergy reciting speeches remembering sacrifices
- Military salutes with 21-gun flyovers and bugle taps
- Laying wreaths and flowers on national cemetery gravesites
- Flag displays at half-staff until noon memorial moments
- Families hosting barbecues and reunions outdoors
Honoring Fallen Soldiers
To respectfully commemorate Americans perished serving in uniform, popular memorial gestures include:
- Visiting grave markers directly in national or state veterans cemeteries
- Watching the National Memorial Day Parade broadcast
- Making donations supporting military family non-profits
- Sending notes to active duty members abroad through USO channels
- Learning the names/stories behind your local memorials
Types of Memorial Day Images
Typical clips center natural symbols like:
- Flags blowing banners
- Red poppy flowers
- Patriotic color gradients
- Soldier silhouettes saluting
- Fields of crosses marking fictional graves
- Real national cemetery landscapes
Uses for Memorial Day Clipart
Memorial Day visuals assist creatives with:
- Honoring veterans through art projects
- Boosting campaigns supporting deployed troops
- Promoting Memorial Day event listings
- Crafting posters commemorating local soldiers through generations
- Embellishing written articles analyzing holiday history
Memorial Day Speeches & Essays
Crafting messages, stories or speeches about Memorial Day demands balancing celebration with solemnity when memorializing Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedoms. Essayists must decide whether to recount fallen’s stories, motivate civilian responsibility going forward, unpack holiday history significance or spotlight active organizations aiding veterans and military families today.
The Future of Memorial Day
As surviving World War II and Korea generation veterans dwindle with remaining survivors aging, preserving Memorial Day relevance remains imperative to teach younger generations born after Vietnam about selfless service amplifying causes larger than one life alone.
Memorial Day Controversies
Some critique Memorial Day between retail mattress sales and kickoff cookouts losing sight of commemorative reverence. Counter advocates contend relaxing community opportunities bonding Americans together honors past defenders’ purpose to protect freedoms future families enjoy. Rather than policing public choices, perhaps lead by example volunteering comfort care to Gold Star Families grieving fresh losses.
In this page clipartix present 88 memorial day clipart images free for designing activities. Lets download Memorial Day Clipart that you want to use for works or personal uses.
