Memorial Day is a national American holiday that falls on the last Monday of May. It is observed in honor of the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27.
Primarily known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years after the Civil War and it officially became a federal holiday in 1971. Most Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, having family gatherings, and participating in parades. This day marks the beginning of the summer season.
What is Memory Day all about?
For many Americans, Memorial Day marks a fun weekend and the unofficial start of summer.
However, the holiday was marked for a much more solemn purpose: commemorating the U.S. military personnel who died serving our country during the Civil War and all the other great wars.
In light of this extraordinary history, it’s important to remember the actual reason for the holiday — rather than simply celebrating it for a fun purpose.
It is said that in 1996, a group of children were asked what Memorial Day meant and responded, “That’s the day the pools open!” As a result, the Clinton administration created the National Moment of Remembrance to remind Americans of this historical day’s significance.
In honor of the holiday, learn more about Memorial Day with these important facts.
1. The first Memorial Day took place on May 30, 1868
Everyone knows that this special day is celebrated on the last Monday of May. James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the US gave a speech honoring fallen Civil War soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
After that, thousands of people laid flowers and decorated the graves of the soldiers. As per the date, it was selected so that the spring flowers would be in full bloom.
2. John A. Logan is known as the founder of Memorial Day
Logan (1826-1886) served as a Union Army general during the Civil War and later became a member of Congress.
As head of the Grand Army of the Republic, a volunteer organization for Civil War veterans, Logan called for a national day of remembrance for fallen Civil War soldiers in 1968. This occasion became the base for Memorial Day which has now become an important day in America.
3. American flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on this day
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs states that ”the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes” on Memorial Day.
4. Memorial Day gained a federal holiday title in 1971
Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, which established Memorial Day as a federal holiday on the last Monday of May.
5. There’s a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery is a symbolic grave for fallen soldiers whose remains were not found or identified.
Last year, on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, Memorial Day, US President Joe Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived for a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, US.
6. Memorial Day originally honored only Civil War soldiers
This day was created to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War after it ended in 1865. It later expanded to honor all military personnel who lost their lives while serving the country. It includes World War I, World War II, The Vietnam War, etc.
7. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day
The name stemmed from the practice of decorating soldier’s graves with wreaths and flowers to honor their memory.
After World War II, it became more common as Memorial Day but was not declared the official name by federal law until 1967.
8. Waterloo, New York is the birthplace of Memorial Day
President Lyndon B. Johnson named Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1961. Despite that, several other towns have also claimed to be the holiday’s birthplace.
9. The importance of poppies on Memorial Day
National Poppy Day is celebrated on May 24. Since World War I, poppies have been commonly worn to honor fallen soldiers, thanks to John McCrae’s popular poem In Flanders Fields.
10. A national moment of silence at 3 p.m.
After decades of observing Memorial Day, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance in 2000. The act designates 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day as a time for prayer and reflection for the national heroes.
Clinton administration stated the purpose of the National Moment of Remembrance is to honor fallen soldiers and remind citizens of the true meaning of Memorial Day.
How do kids and adults observe Memorial Day?
While Memorial Day is an emotional time, people celebrate this day with lots of fun summer activities too like volunteering, lazy days spent pool or lakeside, garden games with friends and family, and a cookout filled with your favorite grilling recipes and decadent Memorial Day Desserts.
We have options for young kids and adults on what to do on this day.
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Go to a parade
You can join a parade with your family members and friends on this special day. If there’s not one happening near you, watch the National Memorial Day parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 27, at 2:00 PM ET.
2. Learn about the history of Memorial Day
It is the best time to learn about the origin of this important federal holiday. Its history dates back to 1865 but was formally established across the nation in 1971 after the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act by Congress. This annual holiday falls on the last Monday of May and it requests all Americans to celebrate the memory of the soldiers and “to observe the day by praying, according to their religious faith, for permanent peace.”
3. Have a backyard barbeque
A backyard grilling session and barbeque is an ideal—and all-American—way to usher in summer. Have a great time with your loved ones!
4. Enjoy the National Memorial Day Concert
Airing Sunday, May 26, at 8:00 PM EST on PBS, the NMD concert is a touching tribute that honors America’s servicemen and women. Past celebrity performers have included Mickey Guyton, Sara Bareilles, Vince Gill, and Alan Jackson.
5. Tour the White House
This one the kids are gonna love for sure! Take your kids to explore the historic rooms and fascinating history of The President’s residence through an online tour, created by The White House Historical Association. It’s great if you have time to visit Washington D.C, and book a free in-person tour of the historical building.
6. Set up a drinks and snacks station
If your Memorial Day includes a laid-back day playing in the yard, set up a drinks and snacks station so everyone can serve themselves. You can save the fabric pinwheels and garland made of paper drinking straws for the 4th of July!
7. Visit a national park
The weather is absolutely beautiful outside, and it’s even better when you’re soaking up the warm weather at one of the American National Parks.