Home Of The Free, Because Of The Brave

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation recognizing Waterloo, New York as the official birthplace of Memorial Day, because Waterloo began a formal observance in 1966.

Prior to 1966 the day was known as Decoration Day when families got together and went to cemeteries to clean the graves, decorate them with fresh flowers, bunting and flags.

On Memorial Day, 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated after four years of construction. Ten blocks of Georgia white marble was used for Lincoln’s statue. A Confederate officer was the first person to turn over the first dirt for the construction of the memorial.

Hang your flag to recognize the day. Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breathe of each soldier who died protecting it.