Memorial Day is an American holiday commemorating fallen soldiers who gave their lives in service to the country. It is celebrated on the last Monday of May and is an opportunity to honor those who died during wars and armed conflicts. The day also has symbolic significance as the start of the summer season in the United States. Many people visit cemeteries, place flowers and flags on the graves of fallen soldiers, and participate in parades and ceremonies commemorating their service and sacrifice.
Memorial Day Coloring Book
Information
- Origins: Memorial Day originated from the practice of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers after the Civil War. Originally known as "Decoration Day," it was a day when people placed flowers and symbols of remembrance on the graves of fallen soldiers.
- Date of Celebration: Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a long weekend that opens the summer season and is often used for relaxation, family gatherings and recreation.
- Remembrance of the Fallen: The main purpose of the holiday is to honor soldiers who died while serving in various armed conflicts, not only the Civil War, but also in other wars and military operations.
- Traditions and Customs: Many people visit cemeteries, place flowers, flags and other symbols of remembrance on the graves of soldiers. In some regions, parades, ceremonies, concerts and other commemorative events are organized.
- Moment of Remembrance: At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, a moment of silence is usually observed to honor fallen soldiers.
- Flags at Half Mast: On Memorial Day, flags on government buildings and other public places are lowered to half-mast in memory of soldiers.
- Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery, which is the resting place of many soldiers and veterans, is hosting a solemn ceremony with the president, laying wreaths and flowers on the graves.
- Grilling Season: Memorial Day often symbolizes the start of the barbecue and picnic season, as people gather outdoors to enjoy the day off.
- Veterans and Families: Veterans and families of fallen soldiers often take part in ceremonies to remember and honor their loved ones and military colleagues.
- Taking Back the Memory: Although Memorial Day has a recreational aspect, it is important to remember its original meaning and honor the sacrifices of fallen soldiers.
Trivia
- Beginning in the South: The first Memorial Day celebration, then known as "Decoration Day," took place in the United States after the end of the Civil War. The first official ceremony was held in Charleston, South Carolina, where Union soldiers were buried in mass graves and the town's women placed flowers on their graves.
- Date of Celebration: Originally, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30. It wasn't until 1971 that the US Congress moved the holiday to the last Monday of May, creating a long weekend.
- Moment of Silence: Traditionally, a moment of silence is observed at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day in the United States to honor fallen soldiers.
- Symbolic Flowers: The great symbols of Memorial Day are red poppies. Beginning with World War I, poppies have become a popular symbol to commemorate soldiers killed in wars.
- Flags at Half Mast: On Memorial Day, national flags are lowered to half mast for the first eight hours of the day to honor the fallen. After that time, the flags are raised to full mast height.
- Arlington National Cemetery: On Memorial Day, the President of the United States usually lays a wreath in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Picnics and Barbecues: Memorial Day is a time when many families hold picnics, barbecues and outdoor gatherings, kicking off the summer season.
- Not just for Soldiers: Although Memorial Day was originally dedicated to fallen soldiers, it is now also a day of remembrance for all deceased family members and friends.
- Trade Prohibition: Some states have restrictions on trading on Memorial Day. Some stores may be closed or have limited opening hours.
- Symbol of Freedom: Memorial Day has also become a symbol of freedom and national unity, recalling the sacrifices that were made to preserve these values.