Memorial Day Kicks Off The Summer Holidays

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. It was first called Decoration Day when begun in 1865 by former African slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. It was created to honor the Union soldiers who fought during the Civil War.

In New York, it started being celebrated the next year and was promoted nationwide in 1868. The current official name was given in 1967 and in 1971 it became an official federal holiday. This was when the day was altered from the original date of May 30th to the current one of the last Monday in the month of May.

From the time of World War I, the day began being used for honoring all Americans who died during wars, no only during the Civil War. Currently, it is also often used as a day to remember all loved ones who have passed on, rather than soldiers only. For example, many people go to visit graves on this day.

Many places have fireworks and parades in honor of military men who have died in service. At 3 in the afternoon, wherever you are, there is a national remembrance moment. The American flag is flown from dawn to mid-day at half-staff. There is also a national concert on the Capitol lawn as part of the memorial.

Despite these traditions, rather than a day of remembrance, Memorial Day is now thought of by many more as the beginning of the summer season. Some feel this is, at least in part, due to the changing of the traditional date. The long weekend now signifies the beginning of trips to the beach and barbecues. Many shopping sales also take place that weekend. And, since 1911, the Indianapolis 500 has been held on the Sunday before.

For many, the school year is ending at this time. Those people who live in colder states welcome the warmer weather when they can enjoy the outdoors, possibly even going for a swim. With all this to look forward to, Memorial Day is a national holiday that is beloved, even if not necessarily for the reasons it was created.

Learn more about Memorial Day 2011 topics. Stop by HomeFellas where you can find Memorial Day sales.