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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