Memorial Day 2016 Calendar | Why is Memorial Day a Federal Holiday?

Memorial Day 2016 Calendar | Why is Memorial Day a Holiday

Memorial Day 2016 Calendar

This U.S. Federal holiday is celebrated the last Monday of each May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.

Year	Memorial Day
2016	Monday, May 30
2017	Monday, May 29
2018	Monday, May 28

Significance of Memorial Day 2016

Memorial Day 2016 formally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday observed yearly on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day 2016 is a day that commemorates all men and women who have died while serving in the military for the United States of America.

History of Memorial Day

The history of Memorial Day 2016 dates back to the American Civil War. It started as an event to honour soldiers who had died during the war. It is said to be inspired by the way people in the Southern states honoured the dead. The original national celebration of Decoration Day took place on 30 May 1868. There was over twenty four cities and towns across the United States that claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo (New York) was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966. In the late 19th century, the holiday (previously known as Decoration Day) became known as Memorial Day and was expanded to include the deceased veterans of all the wars fought by American forces. Originally, the holiday used to be celebrated on May 30, regardless of the day of the week that it fell on. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed and as a result the day changed.

Traditions of Memorial Day

Traditionally Memorial Day is viewed as a time of honour and remembrance. Throughout the United States it is common to visit cemeteries, particularly military ones, and decorate graves of the deceased with flowers, small flags and wreathes. Other common traditions of Memorial Day 2016 that are still practiced today include the raising the U.S. flag quickly to the tops of flagpoles, slowly lowered to half-mast, and then it is raised again to full height at noon. The lowering of the flag at half-mast is meant to honour the fallen soldiers who have died for their country over the years. While re-raising the flag is meant to symbolize the resolve of the living to carry on the fight for freedom so that the nation’s heroes will not have died in vain. On the United States Capitol Building’s West Lawn, a Memorial Day concert is held annually and is broadcasted live around the country. Additionally, there are thousands of Memorial Day 2016 parades all across the country in cities small and large. Many will wear or put on a display of red poppies on this day as a symbol of fallen soldiers. This tradition grew out of the famous poem by Canadian John McCrae known as ‘In Flander’s Fields’, where Moina Michael conceived an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honour of those who died serving the nation during war.

When is Memorial Day 2016

Memorial Day 2016 is a federal holiday and falls on the last Monday of May. The date of the Holiday changes each year but always remains on a Monday; consult the above table for exact dates.

Memorial Day Holiday Celebration\ Observance

Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while in the military service. It is traditional to fly the American flag at half mast. Many people visit national cemeteries where volunteers will place the American flag on each grave. Memorials are attended as well. It is a day that marks the start of summer and vacation season. People will attend picnics, BBQs, sporting events, and spending time with family.

Memorial Day Federal Holiday

Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year.
Memorial Day is formerly known as Decoration Day, and commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in military service for their country.

What did Memorial Day become a Federal Holiday?

Memorial Day was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War and it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.
Memorial Day and Labor Day are often referred to as bookend holidays, marking the beginning and end of the summer holidays in the United States.
The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day for one minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the US. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

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