(May 23, 2025) – Memorial Day is marked by various activities, including visiting cemeteries and memorials, attending parades and participating in community events. It's also a time for personal reflection and remembering the fallen.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May; this year, it is on May 26. This federal holiday is dedicated to honoring and mourning the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday, which was originally called Decoration Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. According to the VA, May 30 was picked as flowers would be in full bloom nationwide at that time.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day honor the sacrifices of innumerable individuals who sacrificed themselves to preserve the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Memorial Day remembers those who gave their lives, and Veterans Day honors all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Did you know that Memorial Day is one of the few days flags are ordered to fly at half-staff and then full-staff? At sunrise, anyone flying a flag should raise the flag briskly to full-staff, then slowly lower the flag to half-staff. This honors the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. At noon, the flag should be briskly raised to full-staff. This is to salute all of those who have served.
Another tradition is the national moment of silence. At 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, Americans are asked to pause for one minute to pay tribute to America's fallen soldiers. This became official after the passage of the National Moment of Remembrance Act in 2000.
Memorial Day is also seen as the unofficial start of the summer season, often marked by barbecues and outdoor gatherings. I hope you have a meaningful and memorable Memorial Day weekend, as we honor the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country.
May we remember all those who have fallen.
--Chad Austin