To the Point
Memorial Day: The Past and the Present
Memorial Day originated after the Civil War, but a somber remembrance of fallen soldiers has also become a cheerful greeting of summer. Monday, on To the Point, how well does America honor those who've died for their country? Also, the GI Bill and the presidential campaign.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenMemorial Day originated after the Civil War, but a somber remembrance of fallen soldiers has also become a cheerful greeting of summer. How well does America honor those who've died for their country? We look at Memorial Day: the history and practice. Also,the US Senate last week voted to update the GI Bill with new benefits for veterans, but John McCain had another idea.
Banner image: Civil War artillery, Arlington National Cemetery
In this episode
2 storiesDoes McCain Have a Vets Problem?
On Thursday, the Senate updated the GI Bill , with $2 billion in new education benefits for veterans. John McCain , who comes from a military family and is considered a war hero by political friend and foe, opposed the measure as being too expensive.
Read the story1 minOrigins of Memorial Day; Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers
Memorial Day began after the Civil War, which killed 600,000 Americans, North and South. But the first day of remembrance wasn't really about them. It was started by southern women, mourning what they called the Lost Cause: the Confederacy.
Read the story1 min
