Memorial Day has become such a fixture in our national holidays that many people both take it for granted or don’t know there is a rich history connected to it. Here are some trivia facts that will enrich your commemoration of the day where we honor those who have fallen in service of this country. It is so important to take time to reflect on the liberties and freedom we all share because of their sacrifice. Memorial Day is an important observance whose meaning should never be forgotten.
1. What is another name for Memorial Day?
Decoration Day
The graves of the fallen soldiers of the Civil War touched practically every town and hamlet in the U.S. This day was established to honor them by decorating their graves and placing flowers in remembrance.
2. Which war spurred establishing Memorial Day to honor fallen soldiers?
The Civil War
This war killed an unprecedented number of men in this country.
3. In what year did the first Memorial Day ceremony take place?
1868
Decoration/Memorial Day was established 3 years after the Civil War ended to decorate the graves during the spring when the flowers were in bloom all over the country.
4. Small American flags are placed at the head of each gravestone during this holiday. In what well-known cemetery in Virginia are these patriotic remembrances placed?
Arlington National Cemetery
The cemetery is a former plantation owned by the great granddaughter of Martha Washington, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, who was also the wife of Gen. Robert E. Lee. The family vacated the land as the Union troops advanced. As the casualties mounted, the area Washington, D.C. cemeteries couldn’t handle the overage so they designated this land as a military cemetery.
5. How do we fly the American flag on Memorial Day?
Half-staff from sunrise until noon; full staff from noon to sunset.
Flying a flag at half-staff signifies grief and mourning. We do this following the death of certain government officials, in times of national distress, on various holidays that signify remembrance.
6. During the annual national commemoration on Memorial Day, we place a wreath on what significant memorial?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery
In 1921, unknown soldier was brought back from France and buried in the tomb for the unknown.
7. At what time should the remembrance occur?
3 p.m.
In 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause on Memorial Day to honor of fallen servicemen and women.
8. What red flower is often worn on Memorial Day as a symbol of remembrance?
Red poppies
Red poppies symbolize resilience. Poppies are technically weeds which can grow in the most unlikely places. They can grow on devastation and each spring they appear as beacons of hope.
9. What are the branches of the U.S. military?
Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and National Guard
10. What are the official songs of each branch of the service?
- Army: “The Army Goes Rolling Along” Here is a clip.
- Navy: “Anchors Aweigh” Here is a clip.
- Air Force: “Wild Blue Yonder” Here is a clip.
- Marine Corps: “Marines’ Hymn” Here is a clip.
- Coast Guard: “Semper Paratus” Here is a clip.
- National Guard: “Always Ready. Always There” Here is a clip.
- Space Force: “Semper Supra” Here is a clip.
11. Many Americans treat Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of what?
Summer
Many Americans use the occasion to make barbeques for friends and family.
12. According to AAA, roughly how many Americans planned to travel for Memorial Day in 2024?
43.8 million
AAA That number of people will travel 50 miles or more from home from Thursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27 which would make it the second highest Memorial Day weekend ever tracked and up 4% from last year. Moreover, about 38.4 million people are projected to drive over Memorial Day weekend itself with would make it the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000,.
Hopefully, this recap will enhance and enrich your Memorial Day celebration.
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