Rafaela Prifti/
The White House released a proclamation calling Americans to observe Memorial Day as a day of prayer for peace to jointly remember and reflect, a designation approved by Congress since May 1950. The day encapsulates both the pain and pride felt by so many. It honors “those who gave all to preserve and defend an idea unlike any other in human history, the United States of America,” says the message of the Proclamation. “We can never fully repay the debt we owe these fallen heroes. But today, we vow to rededicate ourselves to the work for which they gave their lives, and we recommit to supporting the families, caregivers, and survivors they left behind,” continues the Presidential Action.
President Biden proclaimed the Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. of May 29 people may observe the day in prayer and reflection, while all Americans can honor the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
Originally it was known as Decoration Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War. Ending in the spring of 1865, the Civil War claimed more lives than any conflict in the US history. Following it, the national military cemeteries were established across the country. The day became an official federal holiday in 1971.
As per the White House Proclamation, the government officials of each state are directed to fly the flag at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control as well as from people’s homes. The Presidential Action encourages the posting of tributes by families, friends, and neighbors to our fallen service members through the Veterans Legacy Memorial at vlm.cem.va.gov so that we may learn more about the lives and contributions of those buried in National, State, and Tribal veteran cemeteries, states the Proclamation.
While it is observed on the last Monday of May, it is a three day remembrance. One of the ways to showcase your remembrance is by sharing photos of how the Albanian American community has honored it in history or by posting how your family is observing Memorial Day today.