Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It was established to honor soldiers who died during the Civil War. The holiday is now a time to remember military men and women who were killed in all wars. Celebrated on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day should not be confused with Veteran’s Day, which commemorates the service of American military personnel.
Post-Civil-War Era
More Americans died during the Civil War than any other conflict in United States history. The first national cemeteries had to be created in order to accommodate the overwhelming number of dead soldiers. By the end of the 1860s, it had become a common springtime ritual to honor the fallen by adorning their graves with flowers and flags.
General John Logan officially designated May 30, 1868, “Decoration Day.” He made a speech at Arlington National Cemetary on this date, and the graves of 20,000 soldiers who had been killed in the Civil War were decorated with the help of 5,000 volunteers. The day was selected because no battles between Union and Confederate soldiers occurred on it. For years after, Decoration Day was celebrated on May 30. Congress passed a law in the late 1960s changing the date to the last Monday in May so federal employees could have a three day holiday.
21st Century Celebrations
There are a number of rituals and traditions that take place on Memorial Day. Some are formal and others informal.
- Displaying the Flag at Half Staff
On Memorial Day, it is customary to raise American flags to the top of the staff in the morning, and then immediately lower them to half-staff where they stay until noon. This is to commemorate all the soldiers who have died in service to the United States. After 12 PM, the flag is raised to the top of pole again.
- Laying Wreaths
It is traditional for the President to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. Many people around the country also decorate the graves of fallen service men and women with wreaths and flowers.
- Parades
Numerous cities and towns host Memorial Day parades. Some of the biggest take place in Washington D.C., Chicago and New York. Veterans and other military personnel often participate in the parades.
- Church Services
On the Sunday before Memorial Day, many pastors commemorate the holiday with a special sermon or other remembrance.
- BBQs and Picnics
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and many people hold BBQs and picnics to celebrate the occasion.
- Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500 is a premier motorsport race that has been held every Memorial Day weekend since 1911. The race occurs the Sunday before Memorial Day and on Memorial Day if the official race day is rained out.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is celebrated in the Commonwealths Nations and is very similar to Memorial Day. Most Commonwealth Nations were former territories of the British Crown and include Canada, Australia, India, Jamaica and Barbados. The holiday has been observed since the end of World War I and honors service members killed in the line of duty. Remembrance Day occurs on November 11. The date is an acknowledgement of the language in the armistice signed at the end of WWI proclaiming hostilities officially ceased “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” The red poppy has become a symbol of Remembrance Day, and many people wear them on their jackets and shirts. The flowers came to represent all the blood spilled during the war and could be seen in full bloom across some of Belgium’s most devastated battlefields.
On the last Monday in May, Americans pay tribute to soldiers who paid the ultimate price in service to the United States. It is important to always remember their sacrifice.