[2023] American Holiday: Memorial Day learn more about

Do you know where and how the American Memorial Day holiday originated? Who are its honorees? How do the people of “Uncle Sam’s land” celebrate it? Why is it known as Memorial Day?

We will now reveal these and other curiosities about the important and famous American holiday Memorial Day.

Relationship of American Culture and the American Memorial Day Holiday

Known for all patriotism, values related to civil and human rights, and all reverence for the nation, our neighbors – citizens of the United States – give much importance to all American holidays.

Culturally, the US population are Workaholics, meaning that they are too attached to their work routines and tend to bring part of their professions to all other areas of their lives.

Thus, the American holiday becomes a perfect opportunity for them to disconnect, have fun, travel, and spend more quality time with family and/or friends.

This is a differential that attracts tourists, many of whom seek to know how to live in the United States, because they are enchanted by the holidays.

Memorial Day, specifically, is an American national holiday considered one of the most important of the 10 major national holidays.

Where and how Memorial Day came about

It is only natural for a country that has been involved in several historic wars to institute a day to honor its men and women lost in battle. Thus was born this holiday, which is a day to remember and honor all those people who gave their bodies and their lives for the sake of the American nation.

In the 1970s, specifically in the year 1971, Memorial Day was officially recognized as an American holiday, adding another day off for US citizens.

Why is it named Memorial Day?

The term Memorial Day translates literally as “Memorial Day,” and is celebrated on May 30 (or the last Monday of the month) for northern states, and on April 26, May 10, and June 3 for southern states.

Before it was called Memorial Day, this national holiday full of historical significance was known as “Decoration Day”.

This day that makes America proud (despite the sadness of the losses) was instituted right after the War of Secession in order to exalt all American servicemen and confederates killed in that sad American Civil War (started in 1861).

When the First World War ended, Decoration Day (it was still called that) became the date chosen to pay tribute not only to the men and women who served in war, but to all the people who served in the American military.

How people celebrate Memorial Day

Typically, many people take advantage of the significance of the date to visit memorials and cemeteries across the country to honor the military personnel who have gone.

On this occasion, the American flag is hung at “half height”.

Nevertheless, the change in people’s behavior with regard to this important American holiday is visible.

More and more people are taking advantage of this day for sports or physical activities, outdoor gatherings (such as picnics) and other things not necessarily related to the holiday itself.

This is perhaps due to the fact that Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season (for socio-cultural events and the like).

Memorial Day in New York

Officially, summer doesn’t begin until June 21, but the American Memorial Day vacation is welcomed as the opening of the vacation season.

Beaches are free, and it is common to find live music and other activities in New York, substantially on Governors Island.

New York being one of the largest metropolises on the planet, its people love to get out of the city and enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends on national holidays.

Around the same time as Memorial Day is Fleet Week, a traditional week for the people of New York.

The U.S. Military Sea Services often visit the city, offering air shows and other military activities performed by sailors, Coast Guard, and Marines.

What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day?

Despite being important dates and making references to the military, the 2 days are different in meaning.

While Veteran’s Day focuses specifically on all militant veterans in the US, Memorial Day salutes all military personnel who died serving the American homeland.

Check out a complete list of the main American holidays.

American Memorial Day tradition

There is an old tradition of leaving flowers on the graves of military personnel, as a way of decorating and congratulating that life that served the American nation.

Even before the War of Secession (and during it as well), several graves were decorated.

The first known decoration of a military grave from the War of Secession took place in 1861 in Warrenton, Virginia.

This would be the first Memorial Day in history that we know of.

A very curious fact about the importance of the American Memorial Day holiday for all Americans happened in 2012:

• They decorated the graves of military personnel with more than 220,000 flags.
• The number becomes even more amazing when you know that it is the exact amount of military personnel who died in service.

This happened at Washington D.C.’s military cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery.

Did you like to know more about the American holiday Memorial Day? Leave your comment below and share your opinion with us.