Memorial Day, a United States Federal holiday, is observed each year on the last Monday in May. This day is in honor and remembrance of all men and woman who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Memorial Day is also a day to remember all loved ones that have passed away.
Traditionally on Memorial Day, the flag of the United States of America is raised briskly to the top of the staff then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position where it remains until noon. At noon, it is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
When the flag is at half-staff, the position is in remembrance of the more than one million men and women who gave their lives for their country. Raising the flag at noon signifies the nation lives, that the country is resolved not to let their sacrifice be in vain but to rise up in their honor and continue to fight for liberty and justice for all.
Memorial Day is known to mark the beginning of summer.
History and facts from International Business Times:
- Cities like New York hold parades on Memorial Day while places like Washington, D.C., hold concerts.
- Under an act signed by then-President Bill Clinton in 2000, Americans are supposed to pause and remember the deceased at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
- More than 100,000 more Union soldiers died in the Civil War than Confederate soldiers.
- Fewer than 5,000 people died in the Revolutionary War.
- Some people wear red poppies on Memorial Day to honor soldiers who have died.Another tradition is to place coins on the graves of soldiers you visit. Different coins mean different things: Pennies mean you stopped by, dimes mean you served with the deceased and quarters mean you saw his or her death.
- The “Taps” call is often played at military funerals.
- More than 2 million people are expected to go through airport security lines this weekend alone.
- The Indianapolis 500 auto race is always held over Memorial Day weekend. This year is the 100th annual event.
- Memorial Day is considered the start of summer in the U.S. because it’s followed by warm weather.
- About 5,000 people will attend a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery this weekend. It’s 624 acres and in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington.
- About 30 people are buried at Arlington Cemetery every weekday.
- Some states also celebrate Confederate Memorial Day, during which they honor fallen Confederate soldiers. The states include Virginia, Texas and Alabama.
