Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who died serving in the U.S. military. It began after the Civil War to remember the over 620,000 soldiers lost. This day teaches kids about sacrifice and patriotism.
Have you ever heard of Memorial Day and wondered what makes this special day so important? It’s more than just the start of summer vacation!
Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military. It originally began after the Civil War to remember the soldiers who died fighting that massive conflict. The war between the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy) cost more than 620,000 soldiers’ lives, which was about 2% of the total population at the time! Today, we honor everyone who has made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Mira says:
"It’s so important to learn that Memorial Day is a *memorial* day—a day for memory! We remember the brave women and men who won’t be coming home so we can enjoy our freedoms today."
What Was Memorial Day Called Before?
Before it was officially called Memorial Day, this special day had a different name: Decoration Day! That name makes sense because people started the tradition by decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with beautiful flowers and wreaths.
This tradition started in many towns right after the American Civil War ended. People wanted a way to show respect for their lost loved ones—brothers, husbands, and sons—who died defending their side.
Mind-Blowing Fact!
One of the very first big tributes to fallen soldiers happened in Charleston, South Carolina, in May 1865, organized by a group of freed slaves to properly bury and honor Union troops.
The Big Day: Decoration Day is Made Official!
Things got organized nationally thanks to a leader named General John A. Logan. He was the commander of a big group of former Union soldiers called the Grand Army of the Republic.
In 1868, General Logan declared that May 30th should be a day for decorating the graves of comrades who died in the war. He chose May 30th because it wasn't the anniversary of any specific battle, making it a fresh day for remembrance.
The very first national Decoration Day celebration was held a few weeks later at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. About 5,000 people attended, helping to decorate the graves of over 20,000 soldiers buried there!
Current day of observance
How Did It Become Memorial Day for ALL Wars?
At first, Decoration Day mainly honored those lost in the Civil War. But as time passed and the United States fought in other conflicts, like World War I, people realized they needed a day to remember *all* Americans who died serving the country.
After World War I, the holiday slowly started changing its name to Memorial Day and expanded to honor heroes from all U.S. wars.
The Big Change to the Calendar
For many years, Memorial Day was always on May 30th. But in 1968, Congress passed a law called the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
This new law moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May so that families could have a three-day weekend. This change officially went into effect in 1971, making it a federal holiday on that specific Monday!
💡 Did You Know?
Did you know that while Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives, a different holiday, Veterans Day (on November 11th), honors *everyone* who has served in the military, living or passed?
🎯 Quick Quiz!
What was Memorial Day originally called?
How Can YOU Honor Heroes on Memorial Day?
Even though it can feel like the start of summer fun, it’s super important to remember the true meaning of the day. Thinking about the meaning and showing respect is the best way to celebrate for kids and adults alike!
Here are some powerful ways you can join in the tradition:
- Fly the Flag: If you have a flag, fly it at half-mast (lowered halfway down the pole) until noon, and then raise it all the way up. This shows respect for those who have passed.
- Visit a Memorial: If possible, visit a local cemetery or a memorial in your town. Place flags, flowers, or even a small stone on a veteran's grave.
- Observe the Moment of Remembrance: At 3:00 PM local time, a National Moment of Remembrance asks everyone to pause for one minute of silence to remember the sacrifices made.
- Say Thank You: Think of a family member or neighbor who served and tell them (or your parents that you are thinking of them) how much you appreciate their service.
By taking a moment to pause, remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country's freedom, and understand the history of Decoration Day, you are helping keep their memory alive! That Nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself—so let's keep that tradition going!
Questions Kids Ask About Holidays
Keep Exploring History!
Now you know the important story behind Memorial Day! It started with showing respect after a big war and grew into a day to remember all our brave service members. Next time you see flags flying, remember the history behind this special day for kids!
