Memorial Day

Memorial Day History

Memorial day is a US holiday to honor and remember those who died while serving in the military. It is a day to raise our awareness about the Nation’s freedom and the price for this freedom. Every year U.S. soldiers and their families pay that price. Memorial Day is a day for reverence and honoring of those who gave their lives defending the Nation and its values. In 1971, Congress declared it a national holiday.  It also marks the unofficial start to the summer season.

Memorial Day Facts & Quotes

• There have been over 2.7 million US military deaths since 1775.
• The deadliest US War was the Civil War with about 600,000 US deaths.
• It is customary to fly a US flag at half-staff till noon on Memorial Day.
• U.S. Army accounts 158 installations around the world. It includes over 132,000 miles of infrastructure for gas, water, electric and sewer, and more than 1 billion square feet of office space.
• It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died.  Rather we should thank God that such men lived. - George S. Patton

Memorial Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Attend a Memorial day parade. One popular parade is the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC.
• All Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute at 3:00 pm (local time). Think of the sacrifices made by U.S. soldiers to provide freedom for all.
• Visit the grave of a fallen soldier.
• Have a picnic or go boating.
• Donate to a charity that serves veterans.

Memorial Day References and Related Sites