Memorial Day

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is an important holiday in the United States, celebrated every year on the last Monday of May. It is a day set aside to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because it was a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags.

The History of Memorial Day

The tradition of Memorial Day began after the American Civil War, which was the deadliest conflict in U.S. history. It left hundreds of thousands of soldiers dead, and communities began holding springtime tributes to these fallen soldiers by decorating their graves. The first large observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia in 1868, where children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the Grand Army of the Republic decorated graves.

Over the years, the observance has changed. After World War I, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, not just the Civil War.

How Do We Observe Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is marked by ceremonies and parades across the country. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to honor those who have given their lives in military service. Flags are often flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff until sundown. This unique custom honors the fallen for the morning and living veterans for the rest of the day.

Many towns and cities also have parades with military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some people wear red poppies to remember those who have died in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem.

Why is Memorial Day Important?

Memorial Day is more than just a day off from school or work. It’s a chance to pay respect to those who have sacrificed their lives for their country’s freedom. This day reminds us of the cost of war and the price of maintaining peace.

Questions to Think About

1. Why do you think it is important to have a day like Memorial Day?
2. How can people show respect to fallen soldiers on Memorial Day?
3. What are some ways you or your community commemorate this day?
4. Can you think of any other countries that have a similar day? What is it called, and how do they celebrate it?
5. Why is it significant that flags are flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full staff until sundown on Memorial Day?

These questions can help you reflect on the importance of Memorial Day and what it means to honor those who have served and sacrificed for their country.