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Memorial Day is a day to honor all the men and women soldiers who died while serving the United States of America. This federal holiday is observed on the last Monday of May every year. Traditionally on this day, the flag of the United States of America is raised to the top of the staff and then lowered to the half-staff position where it remains until midday. Then, at midday, it will be raised back to full staff for the rest of the day. So let’s see more about the day, its history, and many more in the upcoming article.
History of Memorial Day
The Day was originally known as Decoration Day. This nationwide day of remembrance was announced by General John Logan on May 5, 1868, after the Civil War, when several American soldiers lost their lives. Then, on May 30th, 1868 the first remembrance day was celebrated as Decoration day. After that, every last Monday of May was celebrated as Decoration Day which gradually becomes Memorial Day.
How to Celebrate the Day
The Day was celebrated by people visiting the cemeteries and memorials of the lost Military soldiers to honor and mourn those who died for serving the nation. Many volunteers and local people put an American flag on the graves of military personnel as respect in the national cemeteries. On this day, several events, concerts, shows, rallies, and many more will be conducted to remember and honor those brave soldiers and their sacrifice to the nation. You can also share your thought or story with photos and videos on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. with the hashtag #MemorialDay.
Upcoming Memorial Day Dates
- 29 May 2023
- 27 May 2024
- 26 May 2025
- 25 May 2026
- 31 May 2027
- 29 May 2028
- 28 May 2029
- 27 May 2030
Other Celebrations on May 29
May 29 is also celebrated as
- National Biscuit Day
- Learn About Composting Day
- National Paperclip Day
- Put A Pillow On Your Fridge Day
What to do on the Memorial Day
There are several movies, Music, poetry, and many more that have been made to honor the day.
Movie – Memorial Day is a war film based on America’s Civil War starring James Cromwell, Jonathan Bennett, and John Cromwell. It was directed by Sam Fischer and written by Marc Conklin.
- Music
- Charles Ives’s symphonic poem Decoration Day depicted the holiday as he experienced it in his childhood, with his father’s band leading the way to the town cemetery, the playing of “Taps” on a trumpet, and a livelier march tune on the way back to the town.
- Drive-By Truckers, an American rock band released an Album in 2003 titled “Decoration Day” penned by Jason Isbell.
- Poetry
- Francis M. Finch’s “The Blue and the Gray” (1867)
- Michael Anania’s “Memorial Day” (1994)
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Decoration Day” (1882)
- Joyce Kilmer’s “Memorial Day”
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