Memorial Day: History and Traditions

Memorial Day is an American federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May every year. This year, the day will occur on May 31.

Let’s delve into a brief history of Memorial Day, along with the traditions surrounding it worldwide.

The History of Memorial Day

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), more people died than in any other event in the US’s history. It led to the establishment of countries first national cemeteries. Residents in various cities and states in the US began holding springtime tributes to these martyred soldiers by the late 1860s. In 1966, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the birthplace of Memorial Day.

However, the traces of Memorial Day commemorations go back to 1868. On May 5 of that year, General John A. Logan called for a nationwide Remembrance Day on May 30. People decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. The day was then named Decoration Day.

However, various unions continued to celebrate memorial traditions on different days. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This act was renamed from Decorations Day to Memorial Day, and the date was changed from May 30 to the last Monday of May.

Memorial Day Traditions

Towns and cities across the US observe Memorial Day by hosting parades every year. These parades often include military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some cities where the largest Memorial Day parades take place are New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

Americans across the US visit memorials and cemeteries to remember martyred soldiers in the Civil War, World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many people follow the age-old tradition of wearing a red poppy to remember the fallen. 

And since the day falls on Monday, it’s a three-day weekend (Saturday-Monday). Many people enjoy this weekend by taking long trips, throwing parties and BBQs. Several people also see Memorial Day as the beginning of summer.

And since the day is a civil, religious holiday, all schools and colleges, along with most businesses, are closed. At 3 pm on Memorial Day, people are asked to stop and remember the martyred soldiers. The flag of the US is raised to the top of the staff and then lowered to the half-staff position. It stays in the position till noon, after which it’s raised to full-staff for the remaining day.

While Memorial Day parades are held in thousands of cities and towns across the US, the central event takes place at the United States Capitol. It’s referred to as the National Memorial Day Concert and includes music and commemoration. The concert is broadcast on NPR and PBS.

Final Thoughts

Over decades, wars have had an appalling effect on mankind, taking away the lives of millions of brave soldiers. Countries around the globe observe days to remember the fallen soldiers. The US remembers its brave soldiers on the last Monday of every May, and the day is observed as Memorial Day.