WASHINGTON – The Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, has called upon all Americans to pause on Memorial Day to honor the 1.2 million men and women who have died in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War.
“On Memorial Day, we honor their deeds and self-sacrifice,” Nicholson said. “In gratitude and respect, we say, Rest well, brave souls, for yours is the sleep of heroes.”
Nicholson encouraged all Americans to take part in Memorial Day events in their communities. In many areas, the local Memorial Day commemoration is centered in one of the 120 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The VA Secretary also encouraged people to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, May 30, by pausing for one minute beginning at 3 p.m. local time as a sign of respect for fallen military members.
VA records indicate that more than 42.3 million people have served in the U.S. military during wartime since the Revolutionary War, and 1.2 million died in service. The United States has 16.5 million living wartime veterans, plus another 8.2 million from various peacetime eras.
Memorial Day traces it roots back May 5, 1868, when Union survivors of the Civil War decorated the graves of their fallen comrades. It was originally known as “Decoration Day.” Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday in 1971.
Further information about Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance can be obtained on the VA Internet site at www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/index.htm.
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