Everything you need to know about Memorial Day from why it's observed to how

29 May 2023 , 15:47

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A man uses a map to find a headstone in Arlington National Cemetery before the Memorial Day weekend in Arlington, Virginia (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Across the US, millions of people are taking part in a national holiday.

But not one of revelry, instead of solemn remembrance.

Memorial Day is a US federal holiday that honours fallen soldiers and other military personnel who died serving in the US Armed Forces.

Born out of the horror of the US Civil War where an eye-watering 2 per cent of the entire fledgling country died, the day is marked in an attempt to honour those killed.

From its inception until 1970 it was observed on May 30 but since then has been held on the last Monday of May.

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Children play with US flags set next to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument by the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, in Boston, Massachusetts (AFP via Getty Images)

Although originally set up to honour the dead from the victorious Union in the Civil War, it soon came to include all military personnel.

It became a day of remembrance and reflection, marked by ceremonies, parades, and gatherings.

It falls on the last Monday of the May, gives people the chance for a long weekend as most are given a day off for the national holiday.

Although 97 per cent of employers give Memorial Day as a paid day off for most of their employees, about 43 per cent still have some of their staff come in for the day.

(AFP via Getty Images)

For many the day serves as a reminder of the human cost of the countless thousands killed in US wars.

It is celebrated differently across the US - not just state by state but also household by household.

Government buildings and any people who happen to have a flag pole on their property opt to raise a flag to 'half-staff'.

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs: "On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honour of the nation’s battle heroes."

There is also a National Moment of Remembrance, held at 3pm local time on the day. This involves a minute of silence to reflect and honour the sacrifices of fallen soldiers.

US flags are set next to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (AFP via Getty Images)

Other ways of honouring the day include community-led memorial services, visits to the cemetery with flowers or wreaths, volunteering on community projects and just gathering as a family.

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People wanting to celebrate in a more showy way may wear red, white, and blue clothes, decorate their homes with flags and patriotic symbols, or attend patriotic concerts or performances.

For millions, it is a solemn and significant holiday that pays tribute to the brave individuals who have died while serving in the country's armed forces. It serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom, a time for reflection, and an opportunity to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these men and women.

Charlie Jones