Memorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer.
It’s a solemn day of remembrance for the over 1 million U.S. soldiers who have died in service to their country.
While many celebrate with barbecues and sales, the true meaning of Memorial Day runs much deeper.
In this article, we’ll uncover little-known facts, surprising traditions, and the evolving history behind this important holiday.
By the end, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Memorial Day—and perhaps even a few conversation starters for your next cookout.
1. The Origins of Memorial Day
More Than Just a 3-Day Weekend
Memorial Day wasn’t always a federal holiday with mattress sales and beach trips. Its roots trace back to the aftermath of the Civil War, the deadliest conflict in U.S. history.
Key Facts About Its Beginnings:
Originally Called “Decoration Day” – Families decorated soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags.
Two Claimed Birthplaces:
Waterloo, NY (1866) – Officially recognized by the federal government in 1966.
Charleston, SC (1865) – Freed slaves held one of the first memorials for Union soldiers.
General John A. Logan’s Role – As leader of a Union veterans’ group, he declared May 30 a day to honor the fallen in 1868.
“We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance.” — General Logan
Memorial Day slowly expanded to honor all U.S. war dead after World War I.
2. The Forgotten Tradition
Memorial Day Was Always on May 30
For over a century, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, regardless of the day of the week.
That changed in 1971 with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved it to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend.
Why Some Want to Change It Back:
Critics argue the long weekend diminishes the holiday’s solemn meaning.
Veterans’ groups like the VFW have pushed for a return to May 30 to refocus on remembrance.
Some states, like Mississippi and Alabama, still observe a separate Confederate Memorial Day.
3. The National Moment of Remembrance
A Modern Addition
In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance to ensure the true purpose of Memorial Day isn’t lost.
What You Should Know:
Time: 3 PM local time.
Purpose: A minute of silence to honor the fallen.
How to Participate: Pause whatever you’re doing—whether at a parade, BBQ, or at home—and reflect.
This simple act helps bridge the gap between celebration and solemn remembrance.
4. Confederate Memorial Day
A Controversial Parallel Holiday
While Memorial Day honors all U.S. military dead, some Southern states originally observed Confederate Memorial Day to remember fallen Confederate soldiers.
States That Still Observe It:
| State | Date Observed |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Fourth Monday in April |
| Mississippi | Last Monday in April |
| South Carolina | May 10 |
This tradition remains controversial, with some viewing it as a historical observance and others as a relic of the Civil War’s divisive legacy.
5. How Other Countries Honor Their Fallen Soldiers
The U.S. isn’t the only nation with a day of military remembrance.
Here’s how others pay tribute:
International Memorial Traditions:
United Kingdom (Remembrance Day – Nov. 11) – Red poppies symbolize fallen soldiers.
Canada (Memorial Day – Nov. 11) – Similar to the U.S., but with a stronger focus on WWI and WWII.
Australia & New Zealand (ANZAC Day – April 25) – Dawn vigils and marches honor veterans.
Unlike the U.S., many countries keep their remembrance days fixed on historical dates rather than shifting for long weekends.
6. Unique Memorial Day Traditions Beyond BBQs
While cookouts are fun, these lesser-known traditions keep the holiday’s true meaning alive:
Ways Americans Honor the Fallen:
✨ Flags on Graves – Volunteers place flags at Arlington National Cemetery and local veterans’ graves.
✨ POW/MIA Remembrance Tables – Empty place settings symbolize missing soldiers.
✨ Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally – A massive ride to D.C. honoring POWs (now replaced by “Rolling to Remember”).
✨ Memorial Day Parades – Some of the oldest, like New York’s, date back to the 1860s.
Bonus
Quick Memorial Day Facts
🔹 The first Memorial Day speech was given by future President James Garfield (1868).
🔹 Arlington National Cemetery holds a ceremony with the President every year.
🔹 “Taps,” the iconic bugle call, is often played at Memorial Day services.
By understanding these lesser-known facts, we ensure that Memorial Day remains a day of honor, not just a holiday.
Did you learn something new? Share this article to spread the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Conclusion
How to Truly Observe Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a time for gratitude—not just sales and barbecues. Here’s how you can honor its meaning:
3 Simple Ways to Pay Respect:
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Pause at 3 PM for the National Moment of Remembrance.
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Visit a veterans’ cemetery or memorial in your area.
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Share a fallen hero’s story—keeping their memory alive is the greatest tribute.
As you enjoy the long weekend, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that made it possible.
🍦 Bring your family to Jones Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe, for a sweet treat, during your Memorial Day weekend.
Sources
1. Origins of Memorial Day & Decoration Day
National Archives – “The Origins of Memorial Day”
https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/memorial-dayLibrary of Congress – “Memorial Day: Commemoration & Controversy”
https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/may-30/U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – “The History of Memorial Day”
https://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/
2. Memorial Day’s Date Change (Uniform Monday Holiday Act, 1971)
Congress.gov – Text of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act
https://www.congress.gov/bill/90th-congress/house-bill/15951 *(Search for “Public Law 90-363”)*History.com – “Why Memorial Day is Celebrated on the Last Monday in May”
https://www.history.com/news/memorial-day-last-monday-may
3. National Moment of Remembrance (3 PM Observance)
U.S. Code – Title 36, Section 116 – Official establishment of the Moment of Remembrance
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title36/pdf/USCODE-2011-title36-subtitleI-partA-chap1-sec116.pdfWhite House Archives – Presidential Memorial Day Proclamations
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/
4. Confederate Memorial Day & State Observances
Alabama State Government – Confederate Memorial Day
https://archives.alabama.gov/confed/Mississippi Historical Society – “Confederate Memorial Day in the South”
https://www.mshistorynow.mdah.ms.gov/
5. International Memorial Traditions (UK, Canada, ANZAC Day)
Imperial War Museums (UK) – “Why Do We Wear Poppies on Remembrance Day?”
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/why-we-wear-poppies-on-remembrance-dayVeterans Affairs Canada – “Remembrance Day”
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembranceAustralian War Memorial – “ANZAC Day Traditions”
https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day/traditions
6. Memorial Day Traditions (Rolling Thunder, Arlington Cemetery, POW/MIA Tables)
Arlington National Cemetery – “Flags-In” Tradition
https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Rolling to Remember (Rolling Thunder Successor)
https://www.rollingtoremember.org/National League of POW/MIA Families – The Missing Man Table Ceremony
https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/missing-man-table/
Bonus Facts (James Garfield, Taps, Historical Parades)
U.S. Army Center of Military History – “The Origin of Taps”
https://history.army.mil/html/faq/taps.htmlNew York Times Archives – “America’s Oldest Memorial Day Parade”
https://www.nytimes.com (Search “Ironton Memorial Day Parade”)
Additional Recommended Sources
Smithsonian Magazine – “The Forgotten History of Memorial Day”
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/PBS – “The Story Behind Memorial Day”
https://www.pbs.org/
The Midnight Ice Cream Heist (Summer 1957)
During a heatwave, a group of local teens (including Baldwin’s future mayor!) allegedly “borrowed” a gallon of Velvet Vanilla from the shop’s back porch after closing.
The next morning, owner Harold Jones found an IOU and a handful of nickels taped to the door.
The flavor became known as “Borrowed Vanilla” for years after.
