Memorial Day

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. Inspired by the way people in the southern states honored their dead, it was extended after World War I to include all men and women who had died in any war or military action.

Originally known as Decoration Day, the current name for the day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) used to be observed on May 30 regardless of the day of the week on which it fell. Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill in 1968 as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day holiday weekends. Thus, from 1971 on, Memorial Day has been officially observed on the last Monday of May. Since it is a public holiday, it is a day off from work and school for the general public, and schools, non-essential government offices, and most businesses are closed.

It is traditional to fly the United States flag at half staff from dawn to noon on Memorial Day. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Veterans organizations and volunteers place American flags on each grave in national cemeteries, and memorial services with bands and special speakers are frequently held at local cemeteries. In Mississippi, Memorial Day is combined with the birthday of Jefferson Davis.

Over the years, Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance and more of a celebration of the start of the summer season for cultural events with many people choosing to hold picnics, sports events, and family gatherings on the holiday weekend.

This year (2022), Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 30.

   Close   

or click the blue title bar at the top of the page