Memorial DayMay 26, 2014

Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday in America.

When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is the last Monday in the month of May.

Who celebrates Memorial Day?

Memorial Day honors the men and women who died protecting America’s freedom. Members of the American Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and National Guard are remembered and honored.

Sometimes Memorial Day is called Decoration Day. People place flowers, wreaths and flags on the graves of those who served

America in times of war.

The first Memorial Day was held soon after soon after America’s Civil War ended. At its beginning, Memorial Day only honored

those who died in the Civil War.

Today Memorial Day honors all United States Military personnel who died proudly serving their country.

The name of the holiday officially became Memorial Day in 1882.

In 1966, President Johnson recognized the birthplace of Memorial Day as Waterloo, New York. The people of Waterloo began

honoring their soldiers one hundred years earlier.

Flags are lowered to half-mast to honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. The United States flag is flown halfway up the flagpole until noon. At noon, the flag is raised on the flagpole to show that Americans will continue to protect their

nation and freedom.

Banks, schools, post office, and government offices are closed on Memorial Day.

People throw flowers into the sea to honor servicemen and servicewomen who died at sea.

Towns have parades on Memorial Day. Marching bands play patriotic songs. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts march in parades, too.

Some families visit the cemetery together to place flowers or American flags on graves of family members or friends.

Veterans of wars also organize ceremonies honoring current and veteran servicemen and service women.

Washington D.C. is a popular place to visit on Memorial Day.

People say Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer.

It is important to thank and remember Americans who serve our country.