Memorial Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Memorial Day |
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The gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are decorated by U.S. flags on Memorial Day weekend in 2008.
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| Official name | Memorial Day |
| Observed by | Americans |
| Type | National |
| Observances | U.S. military personnel that died in service |
| Date | Last Monday in May |
| 2024 date | May 27 |
| 2025 date | May 26 |
| 2026 date | May 25 |
| 2027 date | May 31 |
| Frequency | Annual |
Memorial Day (which was first called Decoration Day) is a special federal holiday in the United States. It's a day for people to honor and remember U.S. military members. These are the brave people who died while serving in the United States armed forces.
This important day is always celebrated on the last Monday of May. Before 1970, it was always on May 30th. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day. They go to honor those who died serving the U.S. military. Many volunteers also place American flags on the graves of military personnel. These graves are often in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is also seen as the unofficial start of summer in the United States.
Contents
The History of Memorial Day
How Memorial Day Started
The very first national celebration of Memorial Day happened on May 30, 1868. Back then, it was known as Decoration Day. A leader named John A. Logan from the Grand Army of the Republic announced this holiday. He wanted to honor the Union soldiers who had died during the Civil War.
Many towns and cities had already started their own ways of remembering soldiers. These local events happened between the end of the Civil War and Logan's announcement. Many places claim to be the first to observe it. However, in 2022, the National Cemetery Administration gave credit to Mary Ann Williams. They said she had the idea to decorate the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers with flowers.
Memorial Day Becomes Official
More and more states officially recognized Memorial Day as a holiday. New York was the first state to do so in 1873. By 1890, every state that had been part of the Union during the Civil War had adopted it.
After World War and World War II, Memorial Day changed. It became a day to remember all members of the U.S. military. This included everyone who fought and died while serving their country. In 1971, the U.S. Congress made the holiday official. They named it "Memorial Day" and changed its date. From then on, it would always be on the last Monday in May.
Other Days to Honor Service Members
There are two other important days that celebrate people who have served in the U.S. military.
- Armed Forces Day is an unofficial holiday. It happens earlier in May. This day honors those who are currently serving in the armed forces.
- Veterans Day is on November 11. This day honors all people who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Images for kids
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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located in Arlington National Cemetery
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1870 Decoration Day parade in St. Paul, Minnesota
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1867 Decoration Day in Richmond, Virginia's Hollywood Cemetery
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General John A. Logan, who in 1868 issued a proclamation calling for "Decoration Day"
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Orphans placing flags at their fathers' graves in Glenwood Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Decoration Day
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Memorial Day, Boston by Henry Sandham
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Confederate Memorial Monument in Montgomery, Alabama
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"On Decoration Day" Political cartoon c. 1900 by John T. McCutcheon. Caption: "You bet I'm goin' to be a soldier, too, like my Uncle David, when I grow up."
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The United States Marine Band on Memorial Day
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Memorial Day observances in small New England towns are often marked by dedications and remarks by veterans and politicians.
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See also
In Spanish: Día de los Caídos (Estados Unidos) para niños
