The first summer holiday is Memorial Day, and family getaways, cookouts, picnics, and parades mark it. The day also includes somber events like wreath-laying ceremonies, prayer services, and visits to war memorials.
History of the Holiday
The holiday, created in 1868, was initially called Decoration Day and was a time for Americans to put flowers on the graves of men killed in the Civil War. In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Decoration Day as a legal holiday. After World War I, it became an occasion for honoring all those who have died in all of America’s wars.
As we reflect on the origins of this day, we must recognize how we are continuing the tradition of honor in modern times, including unique ways of remembering those who served in more recent conflicts.
When is Memorial Day?
In 1971, Congress passed the “Uniform Monday Holiday Act” and established the last Monday of May as the official date. Several southern states officially celebrate a separate day for honoring Confederate war dead on “Confederate Memorial Day.”
Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery yearly with a ceremony in which military personnel place small American flags on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Remember “Why”
Enjoy this national holiday, but don’t forget why we celebrate the day. I hope you will include at least one event to honor our brave men and women who have died as they served our country.
The video “American Soldier” captures the meaning of Memorial Day.
Happy Memorial Day!
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Personal Musings to HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS on 09/20/2023.
This article was first published on May 30, 2016, and updated on October 27, 2024. We’ve fixed a broken link to improve your reading.
