Memorial Day Ceremony at Bakersfield National Cemetery, May 25

Honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation on May 25 at 9 a.m. at the Bakersfield National Cemetery Assembly Area, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin. Keynote speaker and participants include Brig. Gen. E.J. Teichert Commander, 412th Test Wing, Edwards AFB; Barry Zoeller, Tejon Ranch Vice President; Assemblyman Vince Fong; Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Jose Gurrola Jr, Mayor of Arvin.

About Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 27 in 2019). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. service members who died while on active duty. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day,” which was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, June 28, 1968, which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday to create a convenient three-day weekend. The holidays included Washington’s Birthday, veterans Day and Memorial Day. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.

Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time, on the holiday. Many people also observe the tradition of flying the United States flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time.