On the last Monday of May each year, Americans celebrate Memorial Day. It is a day of remembering and honoring those military personnel that have given their lives in the service of our country. The holiday’s origin dates back to 1868, just after the Civil War, where soldiers were remembered on Declaration Day. The first large observance of this holiday was at Arlington National Cemetery. The holiday’s name was officially changed to ‘Memorial Day’ in 1967, and the holiday is observed by the US Government and most US businesses.
There are many traditional ways to observe Memorial Day. One of the most well-known is displaying the US Flag. On Memorial Day, it is customary to raise the flag fully before then lowering it to half mast. At noon, the flag is raised to its full height once more. According to The Memorial Day Wikipedia Article, “The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living; who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.” It is also a tradition to adorn the graves of deceased military members with American Flags or flowers.
Another popular celebration in honor of late military personnel is the Memorial Day Parade. This event traditionally features marching bands and service men and women. If you’re interested in attending your community’s Memorial Day Parade, check out the list of events on bostoncentral.com.
Some military museums also offer families a great opportunity to spend the long weekend learning about our great country. For example, the USS Constitution Museum is having their annual Memorial Day Family Weekend. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating the holiday by offering free admission for the full long weekend.
In Washington DC, they celebrate with an annual Memorial Day Concert, live from the lawn of the Capitol Building. This year’s event will take place at 8pm on Sunday May 26th, and will be available to watch on PBS nationwide.
Even if you choose to spend your long weekend at a barbecue, make a point to spend at least a little bit of your time contemplating the meaning of the holiday – all those brave service-people who lost their lives in service to our country.
