Memorial Day, which is also known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday observed all over the United States of America (USA) to honor and mourn the military personnel of the United States Armed Forces who has died serving the United States. It was first observed on 30th May, 1868 and till 1970, it was observed on 30th May each year. But since 1970, it is being observed on the last Monday of May. In 2023, it is being observed on 29th May. The next year, it will be observed 27th May, 2024.
People often visit memorials and cemeteries on this day to honor and mourn those who have died serving the US military. Many people, including volunteers, place USA flags on the graves of military personnel who are buried in national cemeteries.
Memorial Day, is also considered by many to be the beginning of summer in the United States of America, though unofficially.
When it was first observed, it was called Decoration Day and was proclaimed by the then Commander in Chief John A Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor those soldiers who had died in the US Civil War (1861-1865). Though, this was not the first observance and there were several other local ones too before this.
In 2022, Department of Veterans Affairs, United States of America, gave credit to Mary Ann Williams for originating the idea of strewing graves of Civil Wars soldiers – Union and Confederate, with flowers.
New Year, in 1873, was the first to officially recognize this holiday and after this, several states recognized it. By 1890, all states of USA had adopted it and recognized it.
World War I & II had great impact over this holiday. These two wars turned it into a day of remembrance for all the soldiers of United States military who had fought and died in service.
It was in 1971 that the US Congress, the legislative organ of the government, termed this holiday as Memorial Day and changed its observance from 30th May to the last Monday of May.
Apart from this Memorial Day, there are two other days that celebrate those who have served, or are serving, in the United States military. These are:
- Armed Forces Day: Celebrated on third Saturday of May. It is for honoring those who are, as of now, serving in the United States Armed Forces. This is an unofficial holiday.
- Veterans Day: Celebrated on 11th November. It is for honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
There are certain disagreements also regarding the origin of this day. Several cities and people have claimed that it originated either in their city or by them, as the case may be.
Most businesses located within the geographical boundaries of the United States of America (USA) observe holiday because it marks the unofficial start of the summer in the country.
There are a few organizations, such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, who advocate that the holiday be shifted back to the date on which it used to be celebrated on.
On this day, the flag of the United States of America is first raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until the noon. After this, it is raised to the full-staff for the rest of the day.
A concert known as National Memorial Day Concert takes place on the west lawn of the United States Capitol.
Are trash pickup done on Memorial Day?
The answer to this question is not simple. Though the trash collection services works on holidays too and on Memorial Day too, the timing of pickup may be adjusted, changed or re-scheduled. In some states and cities, the trash pickup happens on the next day of the Memorial Day.
For example, New York had announced that there would be trash pickup done on the Memorial Day for the first time this year (2023).
Other big cities are expected to follow the New York strategy.
One of the most important thing to keep in mind is to not wish anyone “Happy Memorial Day”. Please remember that is not a festival like Christmas. It is observed to honor and mourn the fallen heroes who died serving this country.
On this Memorial Day, let us honor those who have fallen so that this country may flourish and we can enjoy the fruits of freedom.