Memorial Day is a
US federal holiday wherein the men and women who died while serving in the
United States Armed Forces are remembered.
[1] The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May,
[2] was formerly known as
Decoration Day and originated after the
American Civil War to commemorate the
Union and
Confederate
soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day
had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the
military service.
[3] It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while
Labor Day marks its end.
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.
Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are held on a Sunday
in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of the American
South, notably in the mountains. In cases involving a family graveyard
where remote ancestors as well as those who were deceased more recently
are buried, this may take on the character of an extended family reunion
to which some people travel hundreds of miles. People gather on the
designated day and put flowers on graves and renew contacts with kinfolk
and others. There often is a religious service and a "dinner on the
ground," the traditional term for a
potluck
meal in which people used to spread the dishes out on sheets or
tablecloths on the grass. It is believed that this practice began before
the American Civil War and thus may reflect the real origin of the
"memorial day" idea.
[4]
Memorial Day is not to be confused with
Veterans Day;
Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while
serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military
veterans.
[5]
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How are you celebrating this memorial day? Do you have someone special in your live you are remembering today?
