Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States that takes place on the last Monday in May. It is a day to remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.Americans celebrate Memorial Day in a mix of respectful and fun ways.
Here’s how:
🇺🇸 Honoring the Fallen
- Visiting cemeteries – Families place American flags or flowers on the graves of soldiers.
- Memorial services – Cities and towns often hold special ceremonies to honor those who died in service.
- Parades – Many communities have parades with marching bands, veterans, and sometimes military vehicles.
- Moment of silence – At 3:00 PM local time, many people pause for a moment of silence to remember and honor fallen soldiers.
🎉 Spending Time with Family and Friends
- Barbecues and picnics – It’s common to have outdoor meals and enjoy time together.
- Beach trips and outdoor fun – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, so many people go to the beach, parks, or camping.
- Sports and music events – Some families attend baseball games, races (like the Indy 500), or outdoor concerts.
❤️ Acts of Kindness
- Thanking veterans – Even though Memorial Day honors the fallen, many people also say “thank you” to living veterans.
- Making cards or crafts – Kids often make patriotic crafts or write notes of gratitude.
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a special day in the United States when we remember and honor the brave men and women who died while serving in the military to protect our country.
Why do we celebrate it?
These heroes helped keep us safe and free. Memorial Day is a way to say "thank you" to them, even though they are no longer with us.
When is it?
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It also marks the beginning of summer for many people.
How do people honor Memorial Day?
- Some people visit cemeteries and put flags or flowers on the graves of soldiers.
- There are parades and ceremonies to show respect.
- At 3:00 PM local time, people may stop for a moment of silence to remember.
What can we do?
Even as kids, we can:
- Learn about heroes who served.
- Say thank you to veterans.
- Make cards or flags to show our respect.
Key Points:
- It honors those who died in military service (not all veterans).
- It started after the Civil War and became a national holiday in 1971.
- People often have ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence.
- It's also the unofficial start of summer in the U.S.
What fun activity do you take part in on Memorial Day? I love going to the Memorial Day Parade in my town. Tell me about your Memorial Day fun in the comments below.
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