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Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a holiday observed on the last Monday in May that is meant to honor and remember those who died in the military while serving their country.
Facts About Memorial Day
- Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery when flowers were placed on the graves of fallen Union and Confederate soldiers.
- 260,000 small American flags are placed by U.S. soldiers on the gravestones of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
- On Memorial Day, at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans are asked to pause wherever they are for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
The last Monday in May, on which parades are held to honor those who died for their country, is an example of Memorial Day.
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See Memorial Day in Webster's New World College Dictionary
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a legal holiday in the U.S. (the last Monday in May in most states) in memory of the dead members of the armed forces of all wars; Decoration Day: in Southern states, is variously observed on April 26, May 10, June 3, etc.
See Memorial Day in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
May 30, observed in the United States in commemoration of those members of the armed forces killed in war. It is officially observed on the last Monday in May. Also called Decoration Day.
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