Memorial Day Holiday

At 3pm on the last Monday of May, a national Moment of Remembrance takes place around the country in honor of all those American Soldiers who died performing military service. Although this tradition was only started in December 2000, the concept of Memorial Day has been around for much longer. This U.S. federal holiday honors the great men and women who have sacrificed their lives in war for the benefit of the country and protecting our freedoms. Until 1882, this day was known as Decoration Day and it was not until 1967 that Federal law declared ‘Memorial day’ as the official name. The reason it was known as Decoration Day was because the graves of American soldiers were strewn with flags, flowers and other decorations on this day, a tradition that is still continued. This day is seen as the start of Summer Season (the end of which is marked by Labor Day).

As part of tradition, the graves of these honorable people were decorated on this day. The flag of the United States is flown at half-staff until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and some place American flags on the graves of those who have died for their country. All schools, and most businesses are closed on this day, and public transport doesn’t run on its regular schedule. Originally the day was used to honour soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. However, post the First World War, it was extended to all men and women who died in any military action.

Traditional observance of this day has slowly diminished with a lot of commercial value being associated with it. When the date of the holiday was changed to a Monday, it began to lose its importance and became an extended weekend for many. Many people have picnics and family gatherings on this weekend. Some also choose to take short vacations out of town. It was upon realizing this that the tradition of a moment of remembrance was started so as to revive the traditional practices of Memorial Day.

Today Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery. Here the President or Vice President gives a speech and lays a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with about five thousand people attending the ceremony every year. Many houses put up flags on this day. Big or small, a flag is a way to participate and show your support on this day. However, there are many things to be kept in mind while dealing with a flag. For example, it should never be used as a drapery, or flown upside down.  Families also take part in and encourage their children to participate in patriotic activities so as to teach them the importance and significance of this day. Be it as simple as coloring a symbolic picture, or taking the kids to visit the graves, such activities help to revive the spirit of this day and to imbibe the right values for future generations.