On Memorial Day we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War.
In 1971 Decoration Day officially became Memorial Day. The observance was also changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May to ensure a prolonged weekend. While a long weekend is nice to have, we must continue to remember the the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service for our country.
Moment of Remembrance
In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act which asks all Americans to stop what they are doing at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day to remember and honor those who have died serving the United States.
San Antonio Home to Two National Cemeteries
San Antonio is home to two of the 155 National Cemeteries:
- Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (1520 Harry Wurzbach Road) and the
- San Antonio National Cemetery (517 Paso Hondo Street).
Fort Sam Houston’s Caisson Unit
Fort Sam is one of only two places in the country—Arlington National Cemetery is the other—to have a full-time caisson unit.
The Fort Sam Houston’s Caisson Unit provides a final farewell befitting extraordinary service.
While the Old Guard at Arlington has about 60 personnel, Fort Sam’s Caisson section typically has only. eight members plus the stable master.
Fort Sam Houston Caisson Section was established after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, in large part, to honor San Antonio–native Army Lt. Col. Karen Wagner, who was killed at the Pentagon.