"I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day1. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did." -- Benjamin Harrison [Note that current practice regarding Memorial Day calls for the flag to be flown at half-mast until noon, and at full staff from noon to sunset. I have no idea when this practice was adopted, or whether Harrison had anything to do with it.]
[1] From Wikipedia: "The alternative name of 'Memorial Day' was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967."
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