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.
The birth of Memorial Day
The Civil War which came to an end in the spring of 1985 saw more deaths than any conflict in U.S. history. It also required the establishment of the nation’s first national cemeteries for hundreds and thousands of military personnel who lost their lives in this great war.
By the late 1860s, many small American towns and cities had already started paying springtime tributes to the deceased soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers for their peace of soul.
While it is unsure where exactly this tradition originated, Waterloo—which first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—was chosen because it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
What is the history behind Memorial Day?
Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those who lost their lives in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself battling another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American soldiers who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
For years, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, it established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
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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.
1. 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.
8. Create a Sidewalk Mural
Fun games for kids and adults on Memorial Day
1. Frisbee Golf
Frisbee golf is a fun and active game that is great for Memorial Day gatherings. The game consists of two teams of two players each, and the objective is to throw Frisbees into baskets or targets scattered around the playing field. The team that scores the most points at the end of the game wins.
2. Horseshoes
3. Badminton
One of everybody’s favorite Memorial Day games is badminton. Whether you have a backyard or not, badminton is a great game to play with your loved ones. If you don’t have a net, don’t worry! You can easily make one out of string and two broomsticks. This game is perfect for all ages and skill levels.
4. Cornhole
This classic lawn game is perfect for groups of all sizes. It is also called bean bag toss or sack race. All you need for this game is two boards with a hole in each, and four bean bags (two for each team). The object of the game is to throw the bean bags through the holes in the boards. The team that scores the most points wins!
5. Charades
This is the perfect game a whole family enjoys. It’s always a big hit with kids as well as adults. To play, each person takes turns acting out a scene from a movie, TV show, or book without speaking. The other players have to guess what the scene is. This game is great for large groups and is sure to get everyone laughing!
