Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women of the American military who died while serving in the armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May each year.
Originally called “Decoration Day” after the American Civil War, people would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Over time, it became a national holiday honoring all American service members who died in war.
Today, Memorial Day is known for:
- Visiting cemeteries and memorials
- Flying the American flag at half-staff until noon
- Military ceremonies and parades
- Family gatherings, cookouts, and the unofficial start of summer
- The National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time
It is different from Veterans Day, which honors all military veterans, living and deceased. Memorial Day specifically honors those who died in service.
The American flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff to symbolize continuing the mission of the fallen.
At 3:00 PM local time, Americans are encouraged to pause for the “National Moment of Remembrance.
In Flanders Fields (1915)
This poem was written after the Second Battle of Ypres, where McCrae buried a friend