Veterans Day

President Barack Obama is laying the Memorial Day wreath at a cemetery near Joliet, Illinois, in the southwest suburbs of Chicago on May 31, 2010, according to an ABC news report. The president is taking part in the Memorial Day Service at the Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

The president's helicopter landed at about 11:00 a.m. For the Memorial Day service scheduled for noon. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is expected to join Obama in Elwood. Also at the ceremony will be  Sen. Dick Durbin and freshman U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, who is running against Adam Kinzinger, a captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

The White House released Obama's statement about the history of Memorial Day the the reasons that Americans observe the patriotic holiday, Obama stated, 'It’s fitting every day to pay tribute to the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America. Still, there are certain days that have been set aside for all of us to do so. Veterans Day is one such day – when we are called to honor Americans who’ve fought under our country’s flag..' The entire statement by Obama is at Obama asks Americans to observe Memorial Day.

The President of the United States normally observes Memorial Day at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.

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Memorial Day Quotes

Memorial Day Quotes, Memorial Day, May 31st 2010: Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States of America and it is today, Monday May 31 2010. It was previously known as Decoration Day, and it marks the day that we remember and honor the sacrifices made by U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.

A national moment of remembrance will take place at 3 p.m. local time.

Today, on Memorial day, let us remember the sacrifices made by men and women in the US army for the country of America.

Here are some inspiring Memorial day quotes:

The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:
Their courage nerves a thousand living men. — Minot J. Savage

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.   — Lee Greenwood

We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them. — Francis A. Walker

“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one 
of those men who goes into battle.” — Norman Schwarzkopf

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Gettysburg Address

Newburyport's Memorial Day Celebration will begin at 10:15 a.m. today in the CVS parking lot on Pond Street. Participants will then walk to City Hall with the award-winning members of the Lynn English Marine Corps Junior ROTC, as well as members of the local 182nd Engineering Co. (Sappers), at 10:45 a.m.

Invocation will be at 11 a.m., followed by a performance of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the Newburyport High School Marching Band, under the direction of Joe Nuccio. The vocalist is Newburyport's Barron Brissett Jr., a retired Air Force veteran and professional baritone. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Kelly Bennett and her two sons, Nick and Daniel. Then, introductions of elected officials and guest speakers will take place.

There will be a re-dedication of Brown's Square with a historical recitation by noted local historian, World War II veteran and orator, Arnold Lessard.

The procession will move to the waterfront, where fallen Coastguardsmen, Navy and Merchant Marines will be honored. The NHS Marching Band will play the Coast Guard Hymn, the Newburyport Police Honor Guard will render a rifle volley of three shots, and a wreath will be thrown from the Coast Guard Cutter.

The parade continues up State Street to the Veterans' Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. for a benediction. Nock Middle School students will recite the Gettysburg Address, the NHS marching band will play solemn music and Taps, and the Honor Guard rifle volley will take place.

A reception barbecue lunch will take place afterward at the Veterans' Stadium at NHS. Veterans and their families eat free.

Rain will move the ceremony inside to the City Hall Auditorium.

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