The Memorial Day is held every last Monday of May each year. This event was formerly called the Decoration Day. it commemorates all the people – both men and women – who sacrificed their lives in serving the US military. During this day, people visit memorials and cemeteries in order to remember and honor all these people that can be considered as the nation’s heroes.
About the Memorial Day
One traditional activity during this day is the flying of the USA flag at half staff from dawn until noon. People also visit memorials and cemeteries in order to honor all of those who have died in military service. People also visit the graves to put American flag on them. They tend to hold picnics, family gatherings, and even sports event during this day.
Since the celebration happens as the start of the summer season, cultural events are also held. When it comes to fashion, people somehow agree to wear the color white during this day.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, so 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.
History
The Memorial Day began in order to honor all Union soldiers who gave up their lives during the American Civil War. This came from the way people from the Southern States honored the dead. After the first World War, the celebration become something that would honor all people – both men and women who died whole in military service.
The Memorial Day was previously known as the Decoration Day. in fact, both of these days were both held on the 30th of May every year, regardless of which day of the week they fall. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed in order to create federal holidays. As a result, from 1971, the Memorial Day was observed each year during the last Monday of Many.
Dates
As mentioned earlier, Memorial Day is always celebrated on the last Monday of May each year.
Where to go?
Below are some good ideas that you can consider about where to go during the Memorial Day:
- Find the nearest beach, claim your spot, and sit there all day. It’s still early enough in the summer where the temperature could go either way. So remember layers! (Also, remember your portable grill.)
- If you’re interested in staying true to the intent of Memorial Day, but want to avoid the massive crowds in our nation’s capital, cities all over the country honor our fallen heroes with parades, concerts, and commemorations. New Orleans, for instance, hosts a day of events, including a concert and observance of the National Moment of Silence. Of course, there are two other days that weekend. And there aren’t many better places to be with a couple of down days than The Big Easy.
- For a relaxing weekend away from crowds, consider a bed & breakfast tucked away on a quiet mountain road. We hear that the forests north of Winterfell are beautiful this time of year.
- Road trip! If you’ve never driven the Pacific Coast Highway, you have no idea what you’re missing. The views of California’s Highway 1 are endless, and there is no better place to feel awe-struck than seeing the mountains meet the ocean at Big Sur.
- Camping, Glamping, or Lamping? Camping is always a favorite long weekend activity. Camping plus a few creature comforts like luxury tents has been popularized under the name “glamping.” But if you’re looking for something quirky to do this holiday weekend, we might suggest a new pastime: Lamping. It basically consists of visiting a bunch of antique stores to find odd or unusual lamps. Think of it like a treasure hunt for tchotchke nerds.
How to decorate?
- Red, white, and blue. Stars and stripes. Flags and flowers. There are so many ways to adorn your home over the Memorial Day holiday. Here are some good ideas:
- Unfurl those flags. Often times people store their American flags and raise them only during patriotic holidays. This is definitely one of those days.
- Line your walkway with mini flags: Nothing honors our deceased veterans like dozens (or even hundreds) of flags in your front lawn and entry way.
- Red, white, and blue layer cake. This will not only give you a decorative food at home but also one that you will enjoy for a tasty treat.
- Stars and Stripes windsocks. Festive, fun, and patriotic.
- Even if you haven’t lost a loved one who served in the military, you can still honor the fallen with flowers at home. Red, Navy, and Blue Dahlias combined with white rose silk flowers can make a stunning visual combination.
Why is the poppy a symbol?
In the war-torn battlefields of Europe, the common red field poppy (Papaver rhoeas) was one of the first plants to reappear. Its seeds scattered in the wind and sat dormant in the ground, only germinating when the ground was disturbed, which happened due to the activities that took place during the first World War.
John McCrae, a Canadian soldier and physician, witnessed the war first hand and was inspired to write the now-famous poem “In Flanders Fields” in 1915. He saw the poppies scattered throughout the battlefield surrounding his artillery position in Belgium.
The Poppy Lady
In November 1918, days before the official end of the war, an American professor named Moina Michael wrote her own poem, “We Shall Keep the Faith,” which was inspired by McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields.” In her poem, she mentioned wearing the “poppy red” to honor the dead, and with that, the tradition of adorning one’s clothing with a single red poppy in remembrance of those killed in the Great War was born. Moina herself came to be known—and honored—as “The Poppy Lady.”
Spread of the Symbol
The wearing of the poppy was traditionally done on Memorial Day in the United States, but the symbolism has evolved to encompass all veterans living and deceased, so poppies may be worn on Veterans Day as well. Not long after the custom began, it was adopted by other Allied nations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, where it is still popular today. In these countries, the poppy is worn on Remembrance Day (November 11).
Today, poppies are not only a symbol of loss of life, but also of recovery and new life, especially in support of the servicemen who survived the war but suffered from physical and psychological injuries long after it ended.
What to Eat During the Memorial Day?
Spending extra time with family during the Memorial Day is one of the best ways to celebrate this event. If you want to host a backyard barbecue or a picnic for the celebration, you should consider the following:
- Make Picnic Scalloped Potatoes ahead and bring along to the picnic.
- Super Summer Burgers are always a hit!
- If you want something with a kick, try easy-to-prepare Spicy Grilled Beef and Black-Bean Salsa.
- Everyone will love our favorite summer salad.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies are easy to transport and the perfect ending to a picnic.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
- The Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to honor, commemorate, and remember the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and loved ones who are left behind.
- The Veterans Day is a day designated to thank and honor ALL who served—in wartime or peacetime—regardless of whether they died or survived. Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls.
Why Celebrate
The following are the main reasons why you should participate in the celebration of the Memorial Day:
To Honor the Heroes
One good reason to celebrate this day is that this will be your best opportunity to honor all those people who gave up their lives while serving in the military just to make sure that our lives, as citizens of the country, are safe. These people are our heroes. Unfortunately, since they are no longer in this world already, we don’t have the opportunity to thank them. But you can actually – only by celebrating this day.
To Remember Family Heroes
Perhaps you may have a relative or family member who has lost his or her life while in the military. You must then celebrate this day to make sure that he or she is honored, commemorated, and remembered during this day.
To Spend Time with Family
As mentioned above, most people also celebrate this day by holding picnics and backyard barbecues. If you want to spend time with your family in a fun and enjoyable way, then you should celebrate this day and conduct such activities.
Celebration Ideas and Activities
The following are the best things to do to make your celebration of the Memorial Day as best as it can be:
Pay Respects to the Fallen heroes
You can celebrate this day by paying respects to the fallen heroes. Ready a list of names of all the heroes you want to thank for. Then observe a moment of silence and solemnity in order for you to pay your respects to these brave warriors.
A Moment of Remembrance
You can visit the grave of a fallen military servant. You can then put on flowers or candles to the grave as a way of remembering them and their sacrifice for the benefit of the citizens.
Fly the flag
If you have an American flag at home, be sure to fly it at half-mast until noon, then raise it to full mast for the rest of the day. The practice of lowering and then raising the flag has been observed for over 100 years to symbolize America’s persistence in the face of loss.
Messages
- On Memorial Day, let us honor those who gave their lives for our country. My warmest wishes on Memorial Day and deepest gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes.
- May this year’s Memorial Day bring you good memories of those you have lost. We are forever grateful for their service to our country and our people.
- Let us never forget how brave and honorable those who died in wars for the United States of America were. Their courage and dedication will inspire generations to come to lead a life those heroes fought for.
- Warm wishes to you and your family on Memorial Day. Our deepest gratitude goes to the fallen men and women who gave us a chance to make this world a better place.
- We praise the perished soldiers and appreciate their sacrifice.
- I wish you a blessed Memorial Day and a cloudless future.
- Thank you to all those who have guarded my freedom and peace in my beloved country.
- We remember your service and will keep giving thanks to all courageous people in uniforms.
- You have left a mark in history, and we will always remember that.
Quotes
- “The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.” — Thomas Campbell
- “Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.” –Barack Obama
- “Freedom does not come without a price. We may sometimes take for granted the many liberties we enjoy in America, but they have all been earned through the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many of the members of our armed forces.” – Charlie Dent
- “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – Harry S. Truman
- “I guess that’s one good thing about dying young: you’re remembered for your purity, vigor and spontaneity. Dying young you’re remembered for your youth.” – Ryan Smithson
- “Most have been forgotten. Most deserve to be forgotten. The heroes will always be remembered. The best. The best and the worst. And a few who were a bit of both.” ― George R.R. Martin
- “Of all the ways to lose a person, death is the kindest.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “It’s not the good that die young, it’s the lucky.” – Mark Twain
- “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” — Benjamin Disraeli
- “Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps.” – Emily Potter