Download or read book A History of Memorial Day written by Richard P. Harmond and published by Peter Lang Incorporated, International Academic Publishers. This book was released on 2002 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A History of Memorial Day is a study of how Memorial Day was viewed by many Americans as a vehicle of both national and international unity. However, this study also examines the surprising amount of controversy elicited by the celebration of Memorial Day, finding that a substantial number of Americans value Memorial Day more as a holiday from work and an occasion for recreation and relaxation than as a time to honor the country's fallen heroes.