Memorial Day Celebrations
History, Facts and Observations of this American Holiday
Celebrate Memorial Day with honor to those who have served and died for our country.
Memorial Day is a national holiday established to honor the military men and women who have lost their lives while fighting for the United States. Formally observed for the first time in 1866, Memorial Day began during the Civil War when women decorated the graves of fallen soldiers. For this reason, the holiday was originally known as Decoration Day, a name still used by many even after given the official designation of Memorial Day.
In 1888, Congress proclaimed May 30 the day of observance. When the Uniform Holidays Bill, which stated certain national holidays should be celebrated on a Monday in order to create three-day weekends, the last Monday in May became the day to observe Memorial Day. Some veteran’s groups advocate returning to the original date of observance (May 30) believing the significance of the day diminishes by the prospect of a three-day weekend.
Ways to Observe Memorial Day
Beginning with the Civil War and encompassing each war after, citizens throughout the United States and around the world have celebrated Memorial Day and its importance to the country. Since the beginning, there have been many different observations and activities in recognition of the holiday. Passed in December 2000, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution calls for Americans to observe a moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. wherever they are. Here is a list of other ways to observe the day beginning with the most historical:
- Place flags, wreaths, or flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. It can be a loved one, a friend, or an unknown. Many communities have cemeteries where unknown soldiers are buried.
- At 3:00 p.m. your time, take a moment to remember those who have died in service or
- Listen to Taps, the song of the U.S. military.
- Take part in or go watch a Memorial Day parade in your area
- If you have a military or veteran’s museum nearby, make a stop by. If not, plan a trip to visit one. It is a long weekend after all.
Host a Memorial Day Celebration
With six wars fought and one currently taking place, plus several military interventions, most people have been affected in some way by the loss of a fallen soldier. Why not host a Memorial Day celebration where you can share with others about those lives and recognize them at the same time? In honor of the day, keep the celebration simple and respectful. Have people over after the local parade, or if there isn’t one in your area, plan for an early dinner following the 3:00 p.m. remembrance. Fly a flag and decorate with red, white, and blue.
