The last Monday of May is a day for Americans to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the military. Formerly known as “Decoration Day, the holiday was changed to Memorial Day in 1868 by Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan.”
The article “Memorial Day History,” by the National Cemetery Administration also claims that the modern proclamation, calls on Americans “to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their own individual religious faith, for permanent peace.” While the holiday is often associated with gatherings and ceremonies, its true purpose is to recognize the sacrifices made by those who served the nation.
There are many meaningful ways people celebrate Memorial Day, from educational activities to community events and family gatherings. According to “10 Fun Ideas for What to Do on Memorial Day,” some people choose to visit war museums, read about the history of the holiday, or explore historic Revolutionary War sites. Others attend parades or ceremonies where speakers honor fallen service members.
Some families even hold movie nights featuring historical war films, while others participate in marathons or 5K runs held in remembrance of those who served.
One of the most recognized symbols of Memorial Day is the red poppy, also known as the remembrance poppy. People often wear red poppies before Memorial Day to honor fallen soldiers and honor veterans. According to the The American Legion article
“National Poppy Day,” the flower became a symbol after World War I, when poppies flourished across the battlefields of Europe. The red color came to represent the blood shed by those who fought and sacrificed for their country.
Ultimately, Memorial Day is the day to honor the people who fought for the nation. Whether through volunteering, attending ceremonies, visiting cemeteries, or simply spending time with family, Americans honor those who gave their lives in service to the nation. So, when someone takes a moment of silence at three o’clock in the afternoon, wearing a red poppy, a veteran is remembered.
