This Monday, May 27, America pauses to honor its fallen heroes. Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring U.S. military personnel who passed away while serving during war. Many cities host Memorial Day parades with some of the biggest in New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago. All banks, schools, and nonessential government offices, including the United States Postal Services, will be closed. Many businesses give their employees the day off, while retailers often mark the holiday with sales. Memorial Day is also the unofficial kick-off to summer, a time for family cookouts, firework displays, and a chance to connect with friends and loved ones.
Decoration Day
Originally known as Decoration Day, after the practice of adorning graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags, Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a holiday in 1873, and by the late 1880s, many other states had declared it a legal holiday as well. Finally, in 1971, congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. Today, the President or Vice President commemorates the holiday by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
One group, not always recognized, that served with unwavering courage were nurses and allied health professionals. Since the country’s original fight for independence, these dedicated individuals have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with soldiers, tending to the wounded on the front lines. Their role in military medicine is crucial, often saving lives and providing comfort in the most challenging of circumstances.
Nurses and allied health worked tirelessly for little to no pay, facing unimaginable dangers, all without the official rank or recognition often afforded their soldier counterparts. These selfless acts of service weren’t just about saving lives in the heat of battle; they were about pushing the boundaries of medical care, paving the way for advancements that benefit us all today.
As far back as the Spanish-American War, the U.S. Army trained and recruited Filipino nurses, cementing their legacy in the country’s history. This Memorial Day, we salute the unwavering dedication and the lasting impact healthcare workers have had on military medicine and healthcare as a whole.
Learn More
This Memorial Day, give a moment of thanks and recognition to all the medical personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. To learn more about the history of military nursing and nurses’ wartime contributions, click on the links below.
MedPro International’s American Dream tour is headed to a city near YOU in 2024!
Ready to start YOUR American Dream? Learn how MedPro International assists qualified candidates through all the necessary steps to qualify for and work in the United States, including Green Card sponsorship for a candidate and their family. MedProU prepares candidates for success in their licensure and English exams as well as life and work in the US. Candidates receive a premium hourly wage with periodic pay raises, a comprehensive benefits package, and a sign-on bonus at the start of their U.S. assignment.
Kick-start your American dream. Visit MedPro International to complete a brief application, and a Recruiter will contact you right away.