The holiday honoring heroes died performing their duties in the ranks of the US armed forces is celebrated on May 30, and is called Memorial Day. American history is filled with tragic and glorious heroic deeds committed by soldiers in the name of liberation, justice, and peace. This national tradition holds society together, becoming the basis of stability and national unity.
The History
This holiday dates back to the times of the Civil War. After its end in 1865, Americans honored the memory of the dead, and brought flowers to monuments and cemeteries. It appeared in 1868 at the request of General John A. Logan, who was in the ranks of the Republican army and the Veterans’ Council and is a federal holiday.
How to take part
- Americans visit cemeteries and memorials, and pay tribute to the fallen.
- Parades are held, in which citizens take part. Guests of honor are often active military personnel and veterans.
- The red poppy is often used as a sign of solidarity, a symbol of the fallen soldiers and officers.
Despite the tragic context, this holiday helps people unite. The event instills respect for the history of the country and the emphasizes need to remember the names of heroes.
When is Memorial Day celebrated in 2024?
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Monday | May | 27 | 2024 |
| Monday | May | 26 | 2025 |
