Memorial Day is a special U.S. holiday to remember and honor brave military members who died serving our country. The first national observance was on May 30, 1868, called Decoration Day. It's a meaningful way for kids to learn about sacrifice and freedom.
Have you ever seen flags placed on graves or heard quiet music on the last Monday of May? That's Memorial Day, and it's one of the most important holidays we celebrate!
Memorial Day is a special time in the United States when we stop to remember and honor the incredibly brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in our country's military. It’s a day to thank the real-life heroes who fought for our freedom. The very first national celebration of Memorial Day happened on May 30, 1868, back when it was called Decoration Day. This day of remembrance was first set aside to honor the soldiers who died during the Civil War.
Mira says:
"Wow, Finn, I didn't know it used to be called Decoration Day! That makes so much sense since people decorated the graves with flowers. It shows how much they cared about remembering every single soldier."
What Was Memorial Day First Called?
Before it was officially named Memorial Day, this important day had a different name: Decoration Day! People gave it this name because a big part of the tradition was decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with beautiful flowers, wreaths, and flags.
This tradition started right after the long and difficult Civil War ended in 1865. Many towns and communities wanted a way to honor the soldiers who would never come home from the fighting. They wanted to show respect to those who sacrificed everything for their country.
Mind-Blowing Fact!
The first national observance of Memorial Day as Decoration Day happened on May 30, 1868, proclaimed by General John A. Logan, the leader of the Grand Army of the Republic!
How Did Decoration Day Become Memorial Day?
At first, Decoration Day was mainly about remembering those lost in the Civil War. But history kept moving, and America went through more conflicts, like World War I and World War II. After these big wars, the holiday grew to include *all* American service members who died in *any* U.S. war.
The name slowly changed to 'Memorial Day' after World War I, and in 1967, the name was officially changed by law! Then, in 1971, Congress made it an official federal holiday and changed the date.
Since 1971
From 1868 to 1970
Both Sides
How Does America Observe Memorial Day Today?
Today, Memorial Day reminds us of the amazing courage of our service members. Even though it’s a long weekend for some families to enjoy summer activities, the most important part is remembering the 'memorial' part of the name.
Many people make a special effort to honor the memory of these heroes. You might see parades in towns across the country, or you could find volunteers carefully placing small American flags on graves in national cemeteries, like the huge Arlington National Cemetery.
Simple Ways You Can Honor a Hero
You don't have to be an adult to show you care! There are wonderful ways kids can participate in remembering our heroes:
Fly Your Flag Right: Many people fly the U.S. flag at half-mast until noon on Memorial Day, and then raise it to the top for the rest of the day. This shows respect for those who have passed.
Wear a Red Poppy: In some places, people wear a bright red poppy flower. This tradition comes from a famous poem written during World War I called 'In Flanders Fields.'
Join the Moment of Remembrance: At 3:00 PM local time, President Bill Clinton asked all Americans to pause for one minute of silence. This is called the National Moment of Remembrance. It's a powerful way to stop and thank our heroes together.
💡 Did You Know?
Waterloo, New York, was officially declared the 'Birthplace of Memorial Day' by the Federal government in 1966!
🎯 Quick Quiz!
What was the original name for Memorial Day when it started in 1868?
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: What's the Difference?
It's easy to mix up Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but they honor different people! Memorial Day is specifically for honoring the brave men and women who died while serving our country.
Veterans Day, which is in November, honors all who have *served* in the U.S. military, both living and passed. Armed Forces Day honors those *currently* serving.
- Visit a Cemetery or Memorial: Take time to visit a local memorial or even a national cemetery to place a flower or small flag on a service member's grave.
- Write a Thank You Note: Write a card or letter for a local veteran or a soldier you know to thank them for their service.
- Learn About a Battle: Look up a famous battle from U.S. history, like the Battle of Gettysburg, to understand the struggles soldiers faced.
- Watch the National Moment: Set an alarm for 3:00 PM on Memorial Day and take one full minute to think silently about the heroes who gave their lives.
When New York was the first state to officially make Decoration Day a holiday in 1873, it helped the idea spread! Now, every year on the last Monday in May, we get a chance to pause our fun for a moment of powerful reflection and immense gratitude for our national heroes.
Questions Kids Ask About Holidays
Keep Exploring and Honoring History!
That’s the incredible story of Memorial Day! It's more than just a day off—it's a deep thank you to the people who gave the most so we could enjoy our freedom. Keep learning about history's biggest moments and the amazing people who shaped them!
