got his from a friend thought I would pass on for researchers on civil war _http://www.komando.com/kool_show.asp?showID=4981691_ (http://www.komando.com/kool_show.asp?showID=4981691) For:5/30/2005 Memorial Day (http:///) Memorial Day Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer. Community pools open, amusement parks have longer hours and it's OK to wear white. Its origins are much more serious, though. It's a day to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This week we'll take a look at Memorial Day and the special men and women we commemorate. HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE When you hear the word Waterloo, you probably think of Napoleon's surrender. There's another Waterloo--in New York-- and it's the birthplace of Memorial Day. Decoration Day _http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/memorial/memorial.html_ (http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/memorial/memorial.html) Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. Find other interesting historical facts about the holiday, wars and conflicts, and more. A moment of remembrance _http://www.remember.gov/_ (http://www.remember.gov/) 3:00 PM is the national moment of remembrance. The entire nation will be unified in remembering our fallen veterans. There are various ways to participate. This site will help you choose a way to remember. Celebrate like the old days _http://www.usmemorialday.org/observe.htm_ (http://www.usmemorialday.org/observe.htm) It's okay to have a cookout with family and friends, but don't forget about why we have this special day. This site suggests some meaningful ways to honor those who died. Beautiful yet melancholy _http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/originoftaps.html_ (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/originoftaps.html) Taps was first played during the Civil War. It was written by Union Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield in July 1862. The nation's concert _http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/concert/index.html_ (http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/concert/index.html) A concert will be held on Sunday on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. If you're not in the area, you can watch it on PBS or listen to it on NPR. CONFLICTS -- PAST AND PRESENT Americans have lost their lives in many wars and conflicts. Here's some information on larger conflicts. Civil War _http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html_ (http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html) One soldier wrote that soldiering is 99% boredom and 1% sheer terror. View an online exhibition and learn more about the Civil War. The war to end all wars _http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWW.htm_ (http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWW.htm) This excellent encyclopedia provides everything you need to know about World War I. View a chronology, war statistics and more. Axis and Allies _http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=home.asp_ (http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=home.asp) The National World War II Memorial opened last year. It honors all Americans who served during the war, including the more than 400,000 who died. War and pix _http://www.vietnampix.com_ (http://www.vietnampix.com/) It's hard to view pictures of war and not be moved in some way. Some make you laugh--like seeing soldiers dancing with Raquel Welch at a USO show. Most are serious. Gulf War I _http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/etc/synopsis.html_ (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/etc/synopsis.html) It was hard to tear yourself away from CNN during the first Gulf War. Never before had war been televised like this. There are some great interviews with the key decision makers at the time. Gulf War II _http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/_ (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/) More than 1,600 Americans have died in Iraq. They're remembered here. AND FINALLY... Don't forget _http://www.aiipowmia.com/other/hostilechron.html_ (http://www.aiipowmia.com/other/hostilechron.html) The above wars and conflicts are the major ones. We've also lost military personnel in smaller conflicts. This site ensures those who died are not forgotten. Notice: We give Web sites a "heads-up" before mentioning them in our Cool Sites of the Day. Still, my newsletters generate so much traffic that Web sites sometimes become unavailable. If you are unable to access this site now, please try later. It is a working site.