National Memorial Day

Group of diverse individuals wearing patriotic attire, holding American flags, and placing flowers on a memorial wall. — National memorial day illustration

It's time to put your barbecues on hold and remember the ones who made freedom, fun, and grilled burgers possible. Yes, folks, we're talking about that time when we hoist our flags half-mast and solemnly eat salads – National Memorial Day.

When is Memorial Day?

It's national memorial day on the 28th May.

Brief Background

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began shortly after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers. Today we honor all men and women who've served in the U.S. military. Wowser! Isn't history just full of surprises?

Online Celebrations

We detected a whopping 42557 mentions of Memorial Day online, reaching a peak on 28 May 2019. No doubt about it, the internet virtually explodes with commemorative posts, heartfelt tearjerkers, and patriotic memes. Social media is abuzz with hashtags like #MemorialDay and #FreedomIsntFree. And things don't just stop at sharing thoughtful posts and messages, oh no. Did we mention the online sales? Retailers take this day to a whole new level with their 'star-spangled' discounts which seem to shine brighter than actual stars.

How To Celebrate

While we suggest paying tribute and sharing a moment of silence for our incredibly brave veterans, we also encourage people to enjoy this day of remembrance with loved ones. Think backyard barbecues with an extra serving of gratitude, baseball games with a side of respect, or simply sharing stories about the brave people who have served and continue to serve our country.

History behind the term 'Memorial'

1340

Etymology

The term 'memorial' has its origin in the Latin word 'memorialis,' which means 'pertaining to memory' or 'something that serves as a remembrance.' The word gradually found its way into Middle English as 'memorial' during the 14th century.

1866

American Civil War Memorials

The concept of memorials gained significant popularity during the mid-19th century. The American Civil War (1861-1865) witnessed the growth of various memorial practices as a way to honor and remember the soldiers who lost their lives. Monumental structures, statues, and plaques were erected across the United States to commemorate the fallen soldiers and preserve their memory.

1919

Remembrance Day

In the aftermath of World War I, the term 'memorial' became closely associated with 'Remembrance Day.' Originally known as Armistice Day, it was first observed in 1919 and marked the end of hostilities on the Western Front. The day serves as a memorial for the millions of military personnel who died in the war, and it is still commemorated annually on November 11th in many countries.

1953

National Memorial Day

In the United States, Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1953. It is dedicated to remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year and has become a significant day for paying tribute to fallen soldiers and veterans.

1982

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

One of the most iconic memorials in modern history is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Designed by Maya Lin, it was dedicated in 1982 and serves as a solemn tribute to the American military personnel who died or remain missing as a result of the Vietnam War. The memorial's distinctive black granite reflects the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women.

Did you know?

Did you know that Memorial Day was traditionally observed on May 30, regardless of the day of the week? However, in 1971, it was changed to the last Monday in May to ensure long weekends. Now, that's a fact to mull over during your next barbecue!