Today, May 25, is the day we pause and remember all those who have given their lives serving in the United States military during the long history of the country. Here are a few interesting facts about Memorial Day, from Wikipedia:

• The first national observance of what would become Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868.
• Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day.
• The National Cemetery Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams of the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia, with originating the idea of an annual date to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans with flowers.
• In 1968, Congress changed its observance to the last Monday in May, and in 1971 standardized its name as “Memorial Day.”
• Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military: Armed Forces Day (earlier in May) and Veterans Day on November 11.

Researching Your Military Ancestors with The Family History Guide

The Family History Guide has some helpful resources for tracing your military ancestors in the United States. Here are some links and descriptions for resources:

United States Page, Goal E1:

• Understand U.S. military records and how they can be used in family history.
• Learn to trace your military ancestors.
• Explore the Fold3 website for military records.

United States Page, Goal E2:

• Explore Revolutionary War records.
• Explore Civil War records for ancestors.
• Explore records for servicemen in World War I.
• Explore records for servicemen and women in World War II.
• Locate your Korean War veteran.
• Learn about research for the War of 1812.
• Explore records for other U.S. conflicts.

Other Resources:

• Guided Learning video
• QUIKLinks to record collections
• Record Search Practice Exercises
• Goal 6 (Military) in the individual U.S state pages
• The Vault