DAVENPORT IOWA (May 24, 2019) — As Memorial Day approaches, we salute all who wore the uniform and remember that freedom comes at a cost. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, honors those who died in our nation’s service, whether they were family, friends, or fellow citizens we never knew.
On May 5, 1868, the day was officially recognized as a time to decorate the graves of those who died defending their country in the Civil War. In 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars made the poppy the official memorial-flower for veterans, and in 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.
This Memorial Day, there are many ways to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Fly the flag, take a walk through the cemetery, attend a ceremony, or visit a local monument.
No matter where we are, we all can join in the National Moment of Remembrance that will be observed across the country at 3PM on Monday, May 27. This one-minute of silence was established by a resolution of Congress in December 2000 to remind us of the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Additional information
This is a legislative update by State Senator Jim Lykam, representing Davenport and Buffalo. For bio, photos and further information, go towww.senate.iowa.gov/senator/lykam.
To contact Senator Lykam when the Legislature is in session, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise he can be reached at 563-391-1919. E-mail him at jim.lykam@legis.iowa.gov.
Senator Lykam serves on the following committees:
