A rostrum is a platform or stage for public speaking. Starting as early as 1882, rostrums were built in national cemeteries so people could give commemorative speeches at the cemeteries on Memorial Day and other days of remembrance. The Office of the Quartermaster General developed a series of classical revival style prototypes for the national cemetery rostrums in the 1930s and 40s. The design shown here was used from 1938 to 1941.