Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last
Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men
and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people
visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as
the start of the summer season.
Is Memorial Day a Public Holiday?:
Memorial Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general
population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
What Do People Do?:
It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half staff
from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly
to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an
American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined
with Jefferson Davis' Birthday in Mississippi. Memorial Day has become less of
an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events
and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start
of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen
as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day
until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear
white clothing throughout the year.
Public Life:
Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices
are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organizations. Most public
transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial
Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or
friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports.
Background:
Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died
during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the
Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to
include all men and women who died in any war or military action. Memorial Day
was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not
come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day
used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell.
In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal
holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971,
Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May.
However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new
date.
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