What is Memorial Day for - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It is a day to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.
- 2. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first observed after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in battle. Over time, it evolved to commemorate all American military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
- 3. Memorial Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the freedoms and liberties they enjoy thanks to the sacrifices of those who have served in the armed forces. It is a day to express gratitude for their service and to remember their bravery and sacrifice.
- 4. Many people observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects to fallen soldiers. They may leave flowers or flags at gravesites and attend memorial services or parades.
- 5. In addition to honoring fallen soldiers, Memorial Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and caring for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Many organizations and charities use the holiday as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for veterans' causes.
- 6. Memorial Day is also seen as the unofficial start of summer in the United States. Many people take advantage of the long weekend to travel, go on vacation, or have barbecues and picnics with family and friends.
- 7. The National Moment of Remembrance is a custom established by Congress in 2000 to encourage Americans to pause at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to observe a moment of silence in honor of the fallen.
- 8. Many towns and cities across the country hold Memorial Day parades to honor veterans and military personnel. These parades often feature marching bands, military units, veterans' organizations, and other groups paying tribute to the fallen.
- 9. The wearing of red poppies is a tradition associated with Memorial Day. The practice originated from the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, which describes the red poppies that grew on the graves of fallen soldiers in World War I.
- 10. While Memorial Day is a time of remembrance and reflection, it is also a time to celebrate the freedoms and values that the United States stands for. It is a day to come together as a nation to honor the sacrifices of those who have served and to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the ideals for which they fought and died.