President Obama will head towards Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, III., south of Chicago today Monday on Memorial Day and will lay a wreath. Traditionally, American President goes at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington on Memorial Day but this time Obama has decided to not to go to Washington and he is heading towards Chicago. Many are criticizing him for his decision saying Arlington is the most hallowed burial ground and he should go there. He was in Arlington last year but this time Vice President Joe Biden would go there and make a speech about those who lost their live protecting this country.
Originally, the Memorial Day commemorated to honor those who died in the Civil War but then, the concept was broadened and included all those who lost their lives while serving this nation. And if we see it, in even broader concept, then it is a day for remembering those who had been died. People goes to the graves of their loved-ones and pay them a tribute for what they did for this country. Some arrange a seminar in honor of soldiers. It’s been 145 years that Civil War ended but bloody incidents of that war are still fresh in the memory of many people. More than 1 million Americans died in Civil War.
Today, seminars will be held for honoring those who died in wars of Afghanistan and Iraq where situation is still not under control and forces are facing a heavy opposition. The parents and family members for these soldiers will describe about their children and tell how much they love them.