A Day for Remembering
Americans have a special holiday coming up next week, Memorial Day. Many people think of it as a time to get together with friends and kick off the summer season. But this holiday has a more serious meaning, too.
A memorial helps keep memories alive. It reminds us of people and events. Have you visited memorials in your city or on your travels?
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. This year, it falls on May 29. On that day, we honor the memories of men and women who have died while serving our country.
Early beginnings
Memorial Day began after the Civil War. Veterans of the war called it “Decoration Day.” They wanted Americans to remember fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers, flags and wreaths.
After World War I, the holiday came to honor soldiers who lost their lives in all of America’s wars.
In many cities and towns, veterans and active service members march in parades or attend special events for Memorial Day.
Symbols of remembrance
We have different symbols for remembering our service members at Memorial Day and throughout the year. Flags-in
Each year just before Memorial Day, soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard,” place a flag in front of each grave marker at Arlington National Cemetery. The tradition is known as “flags-in.” The burial flag
When a veteran of the U.S. armed forces dies, his or her family is entitled to a special flag that can be used to drape the casket. It is furnished to honor the memory of the veteran’s military service to our country.
You may see special markers on gravesites in your town’s cemetery showing that a person served in our armed forces. This is another way we honor veterans.