Memorial Day, a United States Federal holiday, is celebrated, each year, on the last Monday in May. This day is in honor and remembrance of all men and woman who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Originating after the American Civil War and formally known as Decoration Day, it began as a day to commemorate the Union and Confederated soldiers who had died during the Civil War. Memorial Day had been extended by the twentieth century to honor all American soldiers who had died while in military service.
Memorial Day is also a day to remember all loved ones that have passed away.
Traditionally on Memorial Day, the flag of the United States of America is raised briskly to the top of the staff then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position where it remains until noon. At noon, it is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
When it is at half-staff, the position is in remembrance of the more than one million men and women who gave their lives for their country. The raising of the flag at noon is for their memory being raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain but to rise up in their honor and continue to fight for liberty and justice for all.
Memorial Day is known to mark the beginning of summer.
About Author
