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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