Honoring the Fallen: How Various Government Agencies Recognize Memorial Day
With the Memorial Day holiday coming up, this weekend serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have defended the United States.
Across the nation, citizens will gather to honor and remember the heroes who selflessly died while serving in the U.S. military. Many government agencies will also play a vital role in recognizing Memorial Day and ensuring that the sacrifices of our military personnel are properly honored.
Here are some examples:
The Department of Defense (DoD): Taking the lead in observing Memorial Day, the DoD is organizing wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, where dignitaries, military officials, and the public gather to pay respects to the fallen. The ceremony features a solemn ritual where the President of the United States lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA is hosting public Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies at more than 130 of its national cemeteries this Memorial Day weekend. The agency is also participating in various community events, parades, and ceremonies to raise awareness about the importance of this special holiday.
The National Park Service (NPS): The NPS is hosting special memorials in national parks to allow reflection on military service and sacrifice throughout our nation's history. Some of these sites include the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): The USDA is recognizing Memorial Day by supporting and participating in local events and ceremonies across rural America. In addition, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering a variety of funded programs designed to support our military families and Veterans.
The National Archives: The National Archives plays a role in recognizing Memorial Day by making archival materials and records related to military history available to the public.
Makpar honors and remembers the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who defended the United States this Memorial Day.