The significance of Memorial Day is that it honors those Americans who have died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In 1971, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law designating the last Monday in May as Memorial Day, thus giving it federal recognition.
There are many ways to honor those who died. One of them is in the wearing of red poppy blooms that dates back to the poem “In Flanders Field,” written in 1915 by John McCrae. Inspired by the poem’s image of red poppies scattered throughout cross-shaped grave markers, American Moina Michael and France’s Anna E. Guerin started selling artificial red poppies as a fundraiser for children affected by the war. Now many Americans pin on a poppy to show respect. A second way to show respect is to hang your flag at half-staff from sunrise to noon then raised to the top of the staff until sundown. And then to ensure that the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, President Bill Clinton signed into law “The National Moment Of Remembrance Act” in December of 2000. The law encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
Forney ISD honored Timothy Rhodes for his sacrifice by naming a school in his honor due to his death in the Vietnam war. And the City of Forney has a granite monument outside of City Hall commemorating all of the citizens of Forney who have died during their service time. And the American Legion and the VFWs will hold ceremonies throughout to remember the fallen as well.
Forney Education Foundation would be honored to remember your fallen soldiers as well through a donation in their name to help either students or teachers achieve their educational goals. Please go to www.forneyisdfoundation. org to see how FEF can honor their memory.
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