Decoration Day!

Decoration Day

Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day. Decoration Day began after the American Civil War to commemorate the Confederate and Union soldiers who had died in the war. The mourners honored the fallen by placing flowers on their graves. On the first Decoration Day in 1868, over 5,000 participants decorated over 20,000 Union and Confederate graves buried in Arlington National cemetery. What a sight that must have been!

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson's Administration, declared Waterloo, NY the official birthplace of Memorial Day as we now know it. The town made Memorial Day an annual community involved event of decorating the graves of soldiers with flags. In the late 19th century, many towns throughout the nation had begun celebrating Memorial Day.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be recognized the last Monday in May. 

Some people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all military veterans while Memorial Day honors those who died while serving. 

Our team at Shields of Strength have had the pleasure of working with all branches of our amazing military for many years now. We are humbled and honored to be able to get a piece of Gods Word in their hands through the Shields. Members of the Armed Forces have always been a top priority for Shields of  Strength and it will always be a top priority. 

Sadly, most of us know someone who has made the ultimate sacrifice, and I pray that we will take time to remember them and their families this Memorial Day.   

We designed a special Necklace to honor Fallen Warriors, their friends and family members, and the Warriors who served with them.  After much research and collaboration with Gold Star Family Members  (Family Members of Fallen Warriors), we produced a replica of a folded American Flag engraved with John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this:  To lay down one's life for one's friends."  Wearing this necklaces is a respectful way to honor the men and women who died for the Freedom we all enjoy.  

The Folded Flag Shield of Strength   

Antique Finish  $29.99                                        Stainless Steel  $69.99  

The Forever Grateful Coin 

His  $11.99                                                     Her  $11.99

What a great way to honor a Fallen Warrior by giving a  "Challenge Coin,"  to his/her family, friends, or the men and women who served with him/her.  The Men's version has the inspirational words from Joshua 1:9 written on the back along with a personal message about Service, Sacrifice, Courage and Perseverance.  If you will look closely on the backside, America's major combat operations from WWII to Operation Iraqi Freedom are listed. The Ladies version is adorned with crystals on both sides. Engraved on the back are the beautiful Words of 1 Corinthians 13:8, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails."

Folded Flag Shields of Strength Dog Tag

Stainless Steel $6.99 

May we all remember the unselfish sacrifices of our Veterans this Memorial Day Weekend. May they never be forgotten.  Please join me in saying a prayer for our men and women in uniform on this day and for their families who are still dealing with their family loss.  We are Forever Grateful, 

Blake and The Shields of Strength Team

References: Wikipedia "The History of Memorial Day" 

P.S.   

Please feel free to contact us if we can be of any assistance to you. Our toll free number is 800-326-7882.

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