History and Facts About Memorial Day for Remembrance and Celebration
- Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military
- Branches of our military consist of Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and National Guard
- Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War
- In 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day, where it was first celebrated on May 5, 1866—chosen because it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags. It was signed into law by Congress and President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966.
- Became an official federal holiday in 1971
- Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades
How to Observe Memorial Day
- By wearing your Memorial Day Button from the first of May until Memorial Day
- By visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes
- By flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff afterwards
- By attending religious services of your choice
- By visiting memorials
- Honor it by saying “Wishing you a memorable Memorial Day weekend.” or “Today we honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice.”
