Memorial Day is a federal holiday held on the last Monday of May each year in the United States. It is a day set aside to remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The day allows Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel and to demonstrate their patriotism and respect for their country. It serves as a reminder of the price of liberty, as well as the need of sustaining the beliefs and goals for which troops fought.
What is the significance of Memorial Day in the United States?
Memorial Day honors and remembers the valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation. It serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Memorial Day’s Origins
Memorial Day can be traced back to the American Civil War (1861-1865), which resulted in a devastating loss of life.
To honor the dead soldiers, other localities and states began arranging memorial services.
Decoration Day is another name for Memorial Day. On April 25, 1866, Columbus, Mississippi, honored the inaugural Memorial Day. Women laid flowers on the graves of Confederate soldiers killed in the Shiloh War, which took place on April 6-7, 1862, in southern Tennessee.
On May 5, 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, the Grand Army of the Republic, a group of Union veterans, inaugurated Decoration Day, carrying on the tradition of putting flowers on soldiers’ graves.
Memorial Day Observances
The day is honored in various ways across the country. Many individuals show their condolences by laying flowers or flags on the graves of dead troops at cemeteries and memorials.
Parades, memorial ceremonies, and commemoration activities are also held across the country, with military personnel, veterans organizations, and community groups frequently participating.
Memorial Day customs
Memorial Day is associated with numerous ceremonies and traditions in addition to honoring deceased warriors. It is the unofficial start of the summer season in the United States, and many people use the long weekend to spend time with family and friends, participate in outdoor activities, and have barbecues or picnics.
Observance of a National Moment of Remembrance
In honor and recognition of fallen service members, Congress has requested that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States may unite in prayer and reflection.
Congress designated 3:00 p.m. local time as the National Moment of Remembrance for all Americans to observe in their own way. The National Moment of Remembrance is an important part of Memorial Day ceremonies. People are asked to observe a minute of silence at 3:00 PM local time to remember and honor the fallen.
While Memorial Day has a solemn importance, it is separate from Veterans Day, which is observed in November and commemorates all military veterans, living and deceased, who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
In a previous declaration, US President Joe Biden declared Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, to be a day of prayer for permanent peace.
“I urge the press, radio, television, and all other information media to cooperate in this observance. I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day,” he said in a White House statement.
Commemoration and Remembrance
He requested that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control, as directed by the US Governors and its Commonwealths and Territories, as well as the appropriate officials of all units of government.
“I encourage families, friends, and neighbors to post tributes to our fallen service members through the Veterans Legacy Memorial at vlm.cem.va.gov so that we may learn more about the lives and contributions of those buried in National, State, and Tribal veteran cemeteries. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period,” he added.
Biden said that Memorial Day will always be a day where pain and pride are mixed together. “To all those who are mourning the loss of a service member — including America’s Gold Star Families — we see you and grieve with you. And we know that on this day especially, the pain of their absence can feel overwhelming,” the statement added.