American Holidays: Memorial Day

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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When you think of Memorial Day, you probably think of a day free from schoolwork where you get together with friends and family for a big cookout.

Often, pools will open on Memorial Day, so maybe you have memories of taking your first visit to the pool.

This holiday has become a festive day when American families kick off the start of the summer season.

But Memorial Day means much more than hot dogs, swimming pools, and watermelon. It is an opportunity to remember those who sacrificed their lives in service to the United States.

Watch the video below to learn more about this special day!

The video explained that the Civil War was the bloodiest in American history. More men were killed during the Civil War than in all the other wars involving the United States combined.

National cemeteries, places where those killed in military conflict are laid to rest, were built throughout the country to bury those lost during the Civil War.

On May 5, 1866, almost one year after the war ended, people gathered at a cemetery near Waterloo, New York, to decorate the graves of the soldiers who lost their lives in battle. Similar ceremonies were held each spring throughout the nation.

On May 30, 1868, a nationwide day of remembrance was held. More than 5,000 people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery, the largest national cemetery in the United States, and decorated the graves of 20,000 soldiers laid to rest there.

Similar ceremonies were also held at smaller cemeteries throughout the country on that same day. The day was called Decoration Day. By 1890, each state had recognized Decoration Day to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

Up until World War I, Decoration Day was used to honor those lost during the Civil War. After World War I, the name of the holiday was changed to Memorial Day, and the day was used to recognize those who had lost their lives in all U.S. conflicts.

The remembrance day was held annually from May 30 until 1971.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved many national holidays to specific Mondays to prevent people from taking extended leave from work. Memorial Day was one of the holidays moved to a set Monday.

Since 1971, Memorial Day has been celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Sadly, many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of Memorial Day. While many hang American flags outside their businesses and homes, the holiday is mostly recognized as the start of summer.

Most people are given the day off from work and school. Families usually host large cookouts and visit the pool. Stores host big start-of-summer sales events.

Yet, through all the festivities, it is so significant to take the time to acknowledge the fallen soldiers or decorate their graves as the holiday originally intended.

• What are some things your family can do to help return Memorial Day to its original purpose?

Continue to the Got It? section to learn more about Memorial Day.