Mon, May 27, 2024
Interesting Facts
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May in the United States, was originally established to honor the soldiers who died in the Civil War and has since been extended to commemorate all American military personnel who have died in all wars.
It was first widely observed in 1868, when General John A. Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance at the end of May, a time when flowers would be in bloom across the country, to decorate the graves of the war dead.
This day of remembrance has also become the unofficial start of the summer season, with many people holding barbecues, visiting cemeteries and memorials, and participating in parades.
An important tradition observed on Memorial Day is the moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time, a national moment of remembrance to honor those who have given their lives for their country.