Memorial Day

Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

·        It wasn’t always celebrated the last Monday of May

·        It’s legally required to observe a national moment of remembrance

·        James A. Garfield delivers a long speech at the first Memorial Day ceremony

·        Waterloo, New York is considered the birthplace of Memorial Day

·        More than 36 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this memorial day.