Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.
It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis’ Birthday in Mississippi.
Memorial Day
It is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses, and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. People see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports.
This day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.
When is Memorial Day
Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday of May each year and occurs this year on May 31, 2021. Although you probably know that it honors those who have lost their lives serving in the U.S. military, you might be unaware of the origins behind the day of remembrance.
To get yourself in the right frame of mind, check out some Memorial Day quotes and these nine fascinating facts about the holiday.
How Memorial Day Originated
This day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.
This day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell.
In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, this holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.
Some Unique Memorial Day Quotes
Below is a well-compiled list of Memorial Day quotes;
- “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
- “This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.”
- “Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.”
- “Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.”
- “Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.”
- “The legacy of heroes the memory of a great name, and the inheritance of a great example.”
- “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”
- “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.”
On Memorial Day, it’s customary to spend time remembering and honoring the countless veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history. You can get more details about Memorial Day here.
