On the last Monday of every May, the United States celebrates Memorial Day, a day to remember and honoring the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Continue reading to learn more about the significance of this holiday.

History

In the Civil War’s aftermath, both Northern and Southern communities held “decoration days” each spring, decorating the graves of soldiers whom passed, a practice dating back to Classical Rome. This was the beginnings of Memorial Day, but Grand Army of the Republic Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan ended up issuing the change of name to Memorial day in 1868 to formalize the holiday. The exact people who started the tradition is hard to pinpoint, but many scholars agree that women in Columbus, GA were one of the first to gather. GA’s Ladies’ Memorial Association staged one of the first well-documented Decoration Day ceremonies, which inspired other Southern towns.

For multiple decades, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30th, however after Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968 established the Monday tradition. By 1971 the change was in full swing, and Memorial day became the monday tradition it is today. Memorial Day’s first national observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868, with speeches from people like James A. Garfield, a reading of the Gettysburg Address, and orphaned children laying flowers on both Union and Confederate graves. After World War I, Decoration Day/Memorial Day was broadened to honor all American service members who died in any conflict, not just Civil War soldiers. Addtionally, in 1966, Congress officially recognized Waterloo, New York (here residents had been decorating graves each May 30 since 1866) as the birthplace of what we now call Memorial Day.

Traditions

Everyone’s Memorial Days look different from one another; some people go to a loved one’s grave who served, others gather with family, and some just stay home and remember those who lost their lives, but there are a couple of rituals/traditions that most are popular. Firstly, many people visit cemeteries and memorials to place flowers, wreaths, or flags on the graves of fallen service members. Many towns and cities also often house Memorial Day parades, featuring military personnel, veterans' organizations, and community groups. These parades can be a memorable way to honor those who have served, and to show unity/pride in the country! Additionally, on Memorial Day, many fly the American flag at half-staff until noon and then raise it to full staff, pause at 3 PM for a minute of silence, and often wear red poppies to honor those who died in service. Stories and photos of loved ones who served are shown, and support for veterans and their families happens volunteering or donations, and teach children why the holiday matters. At the same time, many of us enjoy barbecues and picnics to celebrate the start of summer.

All in all, memorial Day is a special day to remember brave people who gave their lives for our country. We honor them with flags, moments of silence, and time with family and friends.