Everything you Need for a Great Memorial Day

Memorial Day typically ushers in the beginning of summer. The weather is great and it is a three-day weekend for many. Some head up to the mountains for camping, while others barbecue. Whatever your plans here are some great suggestions to celebrate this Memorial Day.

Teach them the History

Memorial Day is a day we remember those who died in active military service. It is the last Monday in May. While honoring our fallen has taken place for centuries, the first Memorial day was at the end of the Civil War on May 1, 1865. It was held as a result of many of the Union soldiers dying in a camp that was previously a racetrack in Charleston, South Carolina. This day was commemorated by a few thousand freed slaves, a few regiments of Colored Troops, and white Charlestonians. They sang and distributed flowers honoring the 250 prisoners of war that had died from disease or exposure. This was the first unofficial Memorial Day. It became a Federal holiday in 1971.

Memorial Day Today

Today Memorial Day is celebrated by visiting cemeteries and leaving flags and flowers at fallen soldier’s gravesites. Other rituals for the day are that “The American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff. And since 2000, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation, all Americans are encouraged to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.”