Memorial Day May 30, 2016

Pledge of Allegiance Insert appropriate Pledge of Allegiance image here I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which its stands, one nation, under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Picture source

Memorial Day History Originally called “Decoration Day” and officially started on May 30, 1868 Started after the Civil War by placing flowers on the graves of soldiers Insert appropriate flag image here Picture source

Memorial Day Customs Fly the flag at half staff until noon Raise the flag to full staff until sundown “Taps” is played at all services using a bugle Volunteers place flags on graves in national cemeteries National Monument of Remembrance asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3 pm in an act of national unity

Difference between Veterans Day & Memorial Day November 11 of each year Honors all who served in military – wartime or peacetime Also honors veterans who are still living May 30 of each year Honors military personnel who died in the service of their country; particularly in battle or wounds as a result of battle

Five Military Branches Army Navy Air Force Marines Coast Guard Find an image of each military symbol – you will have 5 symbols. Picture source

Purple Heart Insert purple heart image here Awarded to military who are wounded in service by the hands of the enemy Or to next of kin if service member was killed in action or died of wounds received in action Picture source

Medal of Honor Insert image of one or all 3 medals here Highest military decoration Presented by President “distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” Picture source

Flag Folding Ceremony Symbol of life Symbol of our belief in the eternal life In honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world Our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance Tribute to our country Where our hearts lie http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/folds.htm

Flag Folding Ceremony Tribute to our Armed Forces Tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day Tribute to womanhood Tribute to father In the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob In the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/folds.htm

Flag Folding Ceremony When completely folded, stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto “In God we Trust” Picture source