A Special Holiday
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. On that day, we honor the memories of men and women who have died while serving our country.
Early Beginning
Memorial Day began after the Civil War. Veterans of the war called it "Decoration Day". They wanted Americans to remember fallen soldiers
by decorating their graves with flowers, flags and wreaths.
After World War I, the holiday came to honor soldiers who lost their lives in all of America's wars.
In many cities and towns, veterans and active service members march in parades or attend special events for Memorial Day.
US President Honors Veterans
On Memorial Day, the president of the United States usually attends a cermony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA and places
a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
A symbol for all soldiers. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is a monument at Arlington National Cemetery that contains the remains of a soldier
from World War I. Close by, unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War are laid to rest.
These solemn gravesites are symbols of all soldiers who were lost in these wars.
Flags-In
Each year just before Memorial Day, soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," place a flag in front of each grave marker at
Arlington National Cemetery. The tradition is known as "Flags-In".
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