Interesting Memorial Day Facts

We all know that Memorial Day is a holiday that honors the men and women who have died in service to the United States. It is observed on the last Monday of May when people visit cemeteries and memorials and decorate them with beautiful flowers and plants.

 

But why is it celebrated during May? Apparently, it's because flowers bloom most beautifully in May.

 

It wasn't always celebrated on the last Monday of May though. For more than a century, from 1868 to 1970, it was celebrated every 30th of May. The change only happened when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed in 1968 and took effect in 1971.

 

Aside from paying respects and praying for our fallen service members, many cities and towns across the United States also host Memorial Day parades each year. Some of the biggest parades are held in Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.

 

So, what makes this holiday unique and more special? Well, Memorial Day has its own rules and traditions, and here are some of them:

• People wear a red poppy on this day as a sign of remembrance - a tradition that began with a World War I poem written by Lt. Col John McCrae and became popular after service members began wearing red poppies on their uniforms during World War II.
• Observance of the National Moment of Remembrance - Americans around the world are required to pause at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for one minute and remember those who have died in military service.
• Flying the American Flag also has different rules on this day - to honor fallen service members, the flag should be raised at half-staff from morning until noon. And at noontime, it should be raised to full-staff until it's taken down at sunset.

While Memorial Day is commonly associated with weekend getaways, BBQ parties, and store-wide sales, we believe that most Americans still cherish and value its true essence. Memorial Day is one of our most meaningful holidays and we should preserve this tradition for future generations to come.