Every year, on the last Monday of May, the United States of America sets aside one day to honor soliders who have died during all of America’s wars around the world. In 2016, this date is today, May 30th…
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the US and that means nobody goes to school or work! (Except certain retail establishments, of course.) It originated as “Decoration Day” after the American Civil War in 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois, established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the Union war dead with flowers.
By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers, like Boy Scouts, place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
Note: Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day (November 11); Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.
In typical America, Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer vacation season! This means most universities are already finished for the summer, and high schools will be on break soon. When we were kids, Memorial Day always meant that summer holiday was almost here…
Memorial Day Parades
Just like other patriotic holidays, Americans love to throw small town (or big city) parades where veterans and flagbearers proudly wave their banners as they march slowly down the streets.
These parades are also fun for children as there is usually lots of candy and toys given out!
Also in attendance are local high schools’ marching bands playing lots of classic patriotic music.
For example:
Memorial Day BBQs
One of the most delicious parts of Memorial Day are the backyard BBQs! And yes, everything you’ve heard about American barbecues is true: big grills and even bigger pieces of meat.
If the weather is nice, family and friends will join together for an afternoon of outdoor eating and recreational games.
Memorial Day Shopping
Holidays also bring the holiday sales! If you’re planning on visiting the US around the end of May, be sure to be on the lookout for great deals on Memorial Day weekend as most stores will be having some sort of promotion…
Memorial Day Sports
One of the longest-standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, an auto race which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. It runs on the Sunday preceding the Memorial Day holiday. NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 has been held later the same day since 1961. Also, the Memorial Tournament golf event has been held on or close to the Memorial Day weekend since 1976.
And finally, if you know any Americans, be sure to wish them a Happy Memorial Day today!
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