An important custom and official vacation in The United States;
Memorial Day is celebrated each year in memory of
American soldiers, both male and female, who died in combat.
Also known as "Memorial Day", the date
of commemoration changes every year as it takes place on the last Monday of
May.
Memorial Day: Since 1886
The Memorial Day would have been born during the Civil
War, from 1861 to 1865.
It was officially established on May 5, 1866 by
Brigadier General John Murray of the Union Army.
The history is a bit complicated since it is confused
with Decoration Day, launched in 1868 and set on May 30.
But it was in 1882 that the "Day of Remembrance"
began to be mentioned.
The date of this day was then set for May 20, but
under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, it was changed.
As explained by military historian Peter
Caddick-Adams. The last Monday of May was chosen, which creates a long weekend
of three days.
Memorial Day: special day to honor soldiers
Memorial Day originated during the Civil War of
1861-1865, which claimed over 550,000 lives.
It was officially established on May 5, 1866 by Union
Army Brigadier General John Murray at Waterloo.
This was after he noticed that the families of the
soldiers continued to bring flowers to their graves, even after the war.
In recognition of this act, he named it "Decoration
Day".
"Decoration Day" was officially declared to
be a day set aside for decorating the graves of all those who died defending
their country.
It was during the final moments of rebellion and whose
bodies now lie in cemeteries of every church, and village in the nation. "
Memorial Day: the celebration in the U.S.
Since this day is dedicated to the memory of fallen
soldiers.
The celebration of Memorial Day is marked by the
lowering of the American flag to half-mast as a sign of national mourning.
Just as the President of the United States visits
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia each year, many Americans visit
cemeteries.
Also, they visit and military memorials to lay flowers
and flags.
In Waterloo, the village where it all began, there are
many evocative events: fairs, festivals, rides, contests, and competitions are
organized every year.
The Memorial Day in the United States
If you find yourself in the United States during the
Memorial Day festivities, don't worry, there is no shortage of entertainment.
Since Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer
in the U.S.
Americans take advantage of this day to have a picnic,
relax at the beach, have fun at amusement parks and visit loved ones.
That's why the number of people traveling often
reaches 40 million over the long weekend.
The weekend is also the time of the Indy 500, a car
race that attracts more than 320 million spectators, tourists, and residents
each year.
For example, you can go to Governors Island in New
York City, where concerts are usually held to mark the beginning of the summer
season.
Otherwise, you can enjoy the sunshine and sunbathing
on the huge American beaches.
Also note that the New York Aquarium, Coney Island and
Luna Park open on the same date.
If you're looking for places to have fun with your
family, these are the places to be!
From Decoration Day to Memorial Day
After 30 years, Decoration Day was celebrated in every
state in America on May 30.
It was so successful that it was decided that it would
be used not only to honor the victims of the Civil War.
But also those of World War I and World War II.
On June 28, 1968, Congress made it an official holiday
and named it "Memorial Day.
The law was passed on January 1, 1974 and the
celebration of Memorial Day was set for the last Monday of May.
This was done
in order to give the families of the deceased a three-day weekend.
Tips for Memorial Day
Would you rather take a walk and enjoy the weather? In
that case, go to the Brooklyn Bridge.
During this weekend, this famous bridge celebrates its
anniversary. Another New York tradition not to be missed is Fleet Week.
During this week, the annual visit of the US Military
Sea Services takes place. The perfect time to salute a sailor!
But it's not just Navy Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and
Marines you can meet during this week; there are also air shows and many other
events.
Want to learn more? Visit the Intrepid Museum Sea, Air
and Space Museum!
