Memorial Day Weekend 2024

People look forward to Memorial Day weekend for more than one reason. Families have cookouts; people get to see family; it’s a 3-day weekend, the end of school, the start of summer, and the Indy 500 race. But many people forget the real meaning of Memorial Day. Do you know why we celebrate Memorial Day?

History of Memorial Day:

Memorial Day is a special day when we remember and honor all the brave soldiers who died while serving our country. A long time ago, after the Civil War ended, people started decorating the graves of the soldiers who were killed with flowers, wreaths, and flags. That’s why it was first called Decoration Day.

The first big Memorial Day celebration happened in 1868. People gathered at a cemetery in Virginia to decorate over 20,000 graves of soldiers from both sides of the Civil War. After that, more and more towns started having their own Memorial Day events to remember the soldiers who had died.

At first, Memorial Day was just to honor soldiers killed in the Civil War. But after World War I, it became a day to honor all American soldiers who had died in any war while protecting our country.

On Memorial Day, we hold special ceremonies and place flags and flowers on the graves of soldiers. The president often goes to Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor those who died but whose graves we don’t know.

Memorial Day is a day for all of us to take a moment and think about the great sacrifices made by our soldiers, and to remember them with gratitude for keeping us safe and free.

Facts about Memorial Day:

The symbolism of the red poppy

After seeing red poppies growing on battlefields during World War I, the poem In Flanders Fields, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47380/in-flanders-fields was written that led to people wearing red poppies as a symbol to remember and honor soldiers who died in wars.

Flags at half-staff

On Memorial Day, the American flag is raised halfway up the flagpole in the morning to honor fallen soldiers and then raised to the top in the afternoon to represent hope for the future.

The birthplace of Memorial Day

While President Johnson said Memorial Day started in Waterloo, New York, in 1966, many other towns, especially in the South where most Civil War soldiers are buried, also claim to have started this holiday to honor fallen soldiers.

Laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery

On Memorial Day, a small American flag is placed on every grave in the cemetery, the president or vice president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and businesses put out tiny flags in neighborhoods across the country.

The tradition of the Indianapolis 500

For kids who like car racing, Memorial Day is also when the famous Indy 500 race happens at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The first full year of racing started in 1910 and took place on Decoration Day when farmers had a break after harvesting hay.

Thank a veteran

Memorial Day is a time to honor soldiers who died for our country, but it’s also a great opportunity to thank veterans you know for their service by saying “thank you” or writing them a letter to show your appreciation.

A moment of silence

In 2000, a law was passed asking Americans to pause for one minute of silence at 3 pm on Memorial Day to remember and honor the soldiers who died while serving in the military, because their sacrifices allow us to safely celebrate with family and friends.

Live concert at home

What better way to celebrate Memorial Day than with a concert? Watch the National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 8:00 P.M. ET on PBS. Or live stream it on https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/

Poppy Craft

Here is a way to involve your family and friends. It gives you something to make at your cookout. Or to make ahead of time to sell or give away. Take a look at the YouTube link.