Memorial Day

Memorial Day is observed in the U.S. on the last Monday in May to honor those who have died in military service. It was established in 1868, after the Civil War, but was called "Decoration Day" at first, because the day was used to decorate the graves of Union soldiers. 

Those honoring Confederate soldiers held their own day, which began in 1866. When the North started doing a similar thing, Southerners changed theirs to "Confederate Memorial Day." Eventually these two days were combined into "Memorial Day," which we still celebrate today.

National cemeteries, like Arlington, decorate each grave with an American flag. Memorial Day is also often seen as the start of the summer season, and people who can do so might flock to the shores and beaches over the long weekend. Barbeques are also a common Memorial Day activity. A variety of other celebrations take place across the country.

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