Memorial Day is an American holiday to honor the memory of American men and women who have died in service to their country during military duty. It is marked by visits to cemeteries and war memorials as well as outdoor events like picnics, barbecues and sporting events. Culturally, the three day Memorial Day weekend also begins the unofficial Summer season.
Memorial Day History
Originally Memorial Day was a holiday to remember Union soldiers who died during the Civil War. It has since been expanded to include all American military deaths. It was promoted widely by General John A. Logan in the late 19th century. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York and become a federal holiday in 1971.The Grant Tribune: The history of Memorial Day
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Fast Facts
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Memorial Day is May 25, 2009
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Observed the last Monday of May
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Traditional meal
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Celebration
Visit cemeteries and war memorial
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Marks the unofficial beginning of summer
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Came into practice after the American Civil War
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Official date is May 30
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Date of Indianapolis 500
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Waterloo, New York, named official birthplace by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966The Grant Tribune: The history of Memorial Day
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Ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery each year
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Red poppies were used as a symbol to commemorate the dead soldiersThe Grant Tribune: The history of Memorial Day
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In 2000, legislation passed that asks all Americans at 3 p.m. to informally take a moment and remember veteransThe Grant Tribune: The history of Memorial Day
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Made into a three-day weekend in 1971 with the National Holiday ActThe Grant Tribune: The history of Memorial Day
