Last Updated on June 6, 2012 by Mike

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a national holiday that is observed on the last Monday of every May. Formally known as Decoration Day, it honors those who’ve died serving in the United States military services. A day of remembrance, people often visit veteran memorials and cemeteries and is also recognized as the beginning of the summer season. At 3 p.m. local time, a national moment of remembrance is observed across the country.

What do people do?
It has long been a tradition to fly the United States flag at half mast from sun rise until 12 p.m. and family members of fallen soldiers and volunteers place American flags on each grave in national cemeteries around the country.

In the last few decades, Memorial Day has become more of a celebration than a day of remembrance. Families host picnics, parties and family get together’s during the holiday weekend. For the fashionistas, it is marked as the day it becomes acceptable to wear white clothing.

Public life
Memorial Day is a national federal holiday, meaning all Government offices remain closed, as do schools and most businesses. Public transit systems often change their regular schedule by reducing routes, and Memorial Day weekend travelers always cause traffic on the roads.

Background
Memorial Day began as a time to honor Union soldiers who perished during the Civil War and was copied after the way Southerners honored their dead relations. After World War I, Memorial Day was adapted to include all military men and women who perished in any war conflict or military action.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, but was changed after World War II. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was signed into action in order to utilize federal holidays to create three-day holiday weekends. From 1971 on, the Memorial Day holiday has been legitimately observed on the last Monday every Ma.

Thousands of parades across the country are held on Memorial Day, most featuring a military theme and featuring marching bands, veterans the National Guard and military men and women marching alongside military vehicles from past and present wars.

A big even is The National Memorial Day Concert, which is held on the West lawn of the United States Capitol. The concert is aired every year on public access channels PBS and NPR.

Memorial Day Quick Facts
– Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday.
– Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday of May.
– Memorial Day was previously known as Decoration Day, and remembers and honors United States men and women who perished while involved in military service or actions while fighting for their country.
– Memorial Day was originally passed to remember and honor Union soldiers who fought in the American Civil War and after World War I, it grew to encompass all American casualties of any war conflict or military action.
– Memorial Day is often called a bookend holiday, meaning it marks the start of the summer holidays in the United States.

Traditions and Activities
For people who observe this holiday, there are a variety of patriotic activities that take place to honor the United States and its soldiers.

Here are some events which usually take place every Memorial Day:

– Flying the American flag at half-mast
– Attending a speech or concert in a park or public venue
– A social gathering such as a barbecue or cook-outs
– Trips to the beach
– Watching the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, which are held on Memorial Day