Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Related Questions

What is Memorial Day for?

External Websites
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:

Memorial Day is a holiday in the U.S. that honors those who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It is celebrated on the last Monday in May. The day is observed by visits to cemeteries, where flags and other items are placed on the graves of veterans. There are also parades and ceremonies.

Related Questions

Related Questions

What was Memorial Day originally called?

External Websites
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It began during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. After World War I, the holiday came to be observed in honor of those who had died in all U.S. wars, and its name changed to Memorial Day. In 1971 it became a federal holiday.

Related Questions