Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor the military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday originated after the Civil War as "Decoration Day," a time for the nation to decorate the graves of its war dead. Today, many people mark the day by visiting cemeteries and memorials, participating in parades, and flying the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon.