Once school ends for those of us in college and summer begins early during the middle of May, the first holiday we look forward to, especially because it means BBQs, beach trips, and a day with the family, is Memorial Day. Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, brings about a three day weekend to officially start the summer off. If nice weather permits, families can be seen enjoying the day involved in a variety of activities. It often means that warmer weather can be expected from that point on. However, even though it is a day of relaxation for many, it is important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and what it stands for today.
Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the American military. It became an official federal holiday in 1971, but originated in the years following the Civil War; it was known as Decoration Day. This past summer, it was observed on Monday, May 30. The name Decoration Day came about, because it was a day family and friends could decorate the graves of those who died in the Civil War. During the first celebration, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. 5,000 people helped decorate the graves of over 20,000 soldiers buried in the cemetery.
In 1966, the federal government, under President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y. as the official birthplace of Memorial Day, since several towns throughout America claimed to be the original birthplace of the holiday. Waterloo was chosen because the town had celebrated Memorial Day first on May 5, 1866 and made the day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
After World War I, observances of the holiday began to honor those who died in all American wars, not just the Civil War. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday in May. Many confuse the holiday with Veteran’s Day, which is a day that is celebrated each year on November 11 to honor all veterans, living or dead.
Each year, on Memorial Day, there is a national moment of remembrance that takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. At Arlington National Cemetery, a small American flag is placed on each grave. It is customary for either the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead. A wreath is also laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This ceremony is annually attended by 5,000 people.
For many people, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer vacation season. (Labor Day usually marks the end of this season.) It has also become a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on Memorial Day. However, it is important to remember all of those who served and died for their country on this day. It is important to not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. Many towns honor this day by hosting parades.
