Memorial Day in the United States is celebrated all over the states. It’s a federal holiday in the States. This day is dedicated to the military personnel of the United States who laid down their lives in the service. Its history and origin are connected to the late 1860s, when it was started after the Civil War as Decoration Day. On this day people decorated the graves of the martyr soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags; that’s why at that time it was called “Decoration Day.” It is the day to honor these personnel for their bravery and courage.
Its first official observance was held in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. Then in 1971, it became the federal holiday and was observed on the last Monday of May every year.
Table of Contents
Why Memorial Day is Celebrated?
Now the question is why Memorial Day is celebrated. And this obvious answer is to remember and honor the brave souls of the United States Armed Forces who laid down their lives for the nation. Dedicating a day for them is a sign of gratitude and remembrance towards those brave soldiers. Memorial Day is also the unofficial sign of the beginning of summer in the States.
Where and How Memorial Day is Celebrated?
Memorial Day is celebrated in the various parts of the United States; however, their ways of celebrating are a bit different. Even the nations and personal traditions are different for celebrating Memorial Day. Here we are sharing both national traditions of Memorial Day and personal or local traditions of Memorial Day:
National Traditions of Memorial Day in United States
Parades featuring military personnel, veterans, and marching bands are held in various cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Wreath-laying ceremonies are conducted at war memorials. On this day, Moment of Silence is at 3:00 PM in the United States. U.S. flags are flown at half-staff from sunrise till noon and then raised high till sunset on this day.
Personal Traditions on Memorial Day in United States
On this day, families of the armed forces visit their cemeteries and decorate graves and attend memorial services. Many charity events can be observed on this day in the United States. Even community events like barbecues and picnics are organized on this day. Many people use their long weekend in getaways but also pause to show respect for the soldiers on this day.
Across the United States, there are various ways to celebrate Memorial Day. In which we are highlighting few locations along with their ways of celebration.
In Washington, D.C. National Memorial Day Parade & Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally is organized.
In Southern states, churches organize special services and community gatherings on this day.
In the Midwest, parades in town and events at schools are organized to honor the soldiers.
Whereas on the West Coast, candlelight vigils, memorial concerts, and beach outings are organized to celebrate and show gratitude towards the brave armed forces of the United States.
🎖️ Symbols of Memorial Day
There are various symbols deeply connected and associated with Memorial Day in the United States. The first one is very important, which represents the pride and sacrifice for the nation, and of course it American national flag. The second one is inspired by the WWI poem “In Flanders Fields,” which indicates remembrance, and this is the red poppy flower. Third and the last one is held in memory of the martyr soldiers, which is Candlelight Vigils.
Memorial Day makes us remember that we are living safely and happily in our comfort of life due to someone else having laid down their life, making sure our safety and the nation’s safety were their priority. So we must honor them and remember their supreme sacrifices, which are done for us or for our better and bright future. Memorial Day is the day to honor them and remember them with gratitude and patriotism.
