Memorial Day in the United States
When Is Memorial Day 2019?
May 37, 2019
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. 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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