Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, this holiday commemorates US men and women who died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who fell during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action.
file photo: White House, Washington DC
Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 pm Washington time. Another tradition is to fly the US flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Some Americans use Memorial Day to also honor any family members who have died, not just servicemen.
file photo: Washington Monument (Jan 2002)
The Memorial Day is also traditionally viewed by many as the unofficial beginning of summer. Hence, in addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also a time for picnics, family gatherings, and sporting events. ....
Note: The Memorial Day was originally fixed on May 30. However, the problem with a fixed date, just like birthdays, is that it can fall on any day of the week, whereas most people like to have their public holidays on Mondays (Bryson). Hence, one pattern we noticed during our stay in the US (as well as in England) is that most of the holidays are fixed on a particular Monday of the month/year, rather than on a fixed date, so that Americans get to enjoy a nice long weekend.
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Note: The Memorial Day was originally fixed on May 30. However, the problem with a fixed date, just like birthdays, is that it can fall on any day of the week, whereas most people like to have their public holidays on Mondays (Bryson). Hence, one pattern we noticed during our stay in the US (as well as in England) is that most of the holidays are fixed on a particular Monday of the month/year, rather than on a fixed date, so that Americans get to enjoy a nice long weekend.
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We will be visiting Washington D.C. from Sunday to Thursday. On Sunday and Monday, we will watch the Memorial Day parade as well as visit some of the famous landmarks in the capitol city. Then on Tuesday and Wednesday, I have signed up for a housing conference. It will be a good opportunity to hear some good research papers on the sub-prime and mortgage crisis in the US. On the way home, we plan to stop over at Gettysburg, one of the most significant battlefields during the American civil war.
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Washington DC is one city that is full of memorials and monuments to commemorate the service of famous leaders, such as Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson, as well as common soldiers who have died in the various wars. There is also a tomb for an unknown soldier.
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Reflection: The way you live today will determine how you will be remembered by others. When your life is over, will people remember more than just was in your bank account or the number of years you lived? What you do now does matter!
