Memorial Day

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Tomb of the Unknowns

Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia - Decorating the graves of the Rebel soldiers, May 31, 1867 (16682540833)

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John A. Logan (general)

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1870DecorationDayStPaulMNphotoCharlesZimmerman

Orphans decorating their fathers' graves in Glenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia, on Decoration Day LCCN2006677411

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on the last Monday of May. It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service to the United States. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the American Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Traditionally, the American flag is flown at half-staff from dawn until noon. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial start of summer in the United States, with many people holding picnics, sports events, and family gatherings.

History

The practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers is an ancient custom. Memorial Day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.

Over time, the holiday has been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day was originally celebrated on May 30, regardless of the day of the week on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance of Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May.

Traditions

Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on each grave in national cemeteries.

Memorial Day is also a day for personal remembrance. Families and friends gather to remember the fallen and reflect on their sacrifice. The holiday weekend also marks the beginning of the summer season, with many people engaging in outdoor activities, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day

It is important to note the distinction between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In contrast, Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11th, honors all who have served in the U.S. Military.

Observance

While Memorial Day is a time of remembrance, it has also become a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events. Despite this, many people take the time to remember the true meaning of the day by participating in memorial services, visiting war memorials, or laying flowers and flags on the graves of fallen heroes.

Criticism

There has been some criticism over the years that the true meaning of Memorial Day has faded from the public consciousness, becoming more about a long weekend and the unofficial start of summer rather than a solemn day of mourning and remembrance. Efforts have been made to return the solemnity to the day, including the National Moment of Remembrance resolution passed in 2000, which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps.'"