On Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who have given their lives in the name of freedom. This year, and every year, the day will be observed across America.
When flow'ry Summer is at hand,
And Spring has gemm'd the earth with bloom,
We hither bring, with loving hand,
Bright flow'rs to deck our soldier's tomb.
Gentle birds above are sweetly singing
O'er the graves of heroes brave and true;
While the sweetest flow'rs we are bringing,
Wreath'd in garlands of red, white and blue.
With snowy hawthorn, clusters white,
Fair violets of heav'nly blue,
And early roses, fresh and bright,
We wreathe the red, and white, and blue.
These lyrics are from "Soldier's Memorial Day," words by Mary B.C. Slade and music by W.O. Perkins, 1870.