Memorial day is a day to honor those who have fought for our country, especially those who have lost their lives fighting for us in the military. It is celebrated on the last Monday in May. The holiday first started around 1968 by a man named John A.Logan. He was a General and Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that congress passed in 1968. It was originally celebrated on May 30th, but Congress wanted federal employees to have a three day weekend off to enjoy the holiday so they made the last Monday in May the designated day in order to do so.

The holiday first went by the name, “Decoration Day,” since the tombs of those who have lost their lives fighting for us were decorated with flowers. The flowers were placed on the tombs to show gratitude and respect to our former soldiers.

On memorial day at exactly 3:00 p.m everyone is asked to just sit, stand or just pause for a moment of remembrance. A moment of remembrance is held for the soldiers who lost their lives to show our gratitude and appreciation for their hard work.

Usually, the flags in the US that you see flying around are flying at full-staff, to represent the United States happy,living and thriving. But, on Memorial day there’s an exception to fly it at half-staff. The American Flag gets flown at half-staff to represent the US mourning the loss of life by the soldiers who fought for us in the US Military.

So this upcoming Memorial Day don’t forget to give thanks to those who have fought so courageously for your country and freedom.

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
-Lee Greenwood