Veterans Memorial Plaza is shown with flags at half-staff Sept. 11, 2025, for Patriot Day 2025 at the Commemorative Area at Fort McCoy, Wis. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)
Memorial Day is one of the most widely observed federal holidays in the United States, but its original purpose was never intended to be celebratory.
Established as a national day of remembrance, the observance is dedicated to honoring United States military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces during war and peacetime.
The history of Memorial Day
Observed annually on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day traces its origins to the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities across the country began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. The practice became known as "Decoration Day" with one of the first national observances taking place at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868.
The National Cemetery Administration details that the original day of May 30 was chosen to ensure the availability of "the choicest flowers of springtime" all over the country.
Rows of headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., circa 1865. Credit: Library of Congress
Over time, the observance expanded beyond Civil War casualties to include all American service members killed in military service. By the 20th century, the term Memorial Day became more commonly used, and in 1971, Congress officially designated it as a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May.
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Distinction from Veterans Day
Because both are military-related federal holidays, Memorial Day is frequently confused with Veterans Day, but the two recognize two very different groups of military service members.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense and other historical sources, Memorial Day remembers those who died while serving. Veterans Day, recognized annually on November 11, honors those who served.
The distinction between the two is reflected in the traditions associated with each day. Memorial Day ceremonies are often centered around cemeteries, memorials and wreath-laying ceremonies. Veterans Day events are more commonly focused on appreciation ceremonies, parades and other ways to honor those still with us.
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Solemn observance to holiday weekend
While Memorial Day remains rooted in remembrance, it has also evolved into one of the country’s busiest travel weekends and is often viewed as the unofficial start of the summer. Because of that, barbecues, retail sales, sporting events and vacations have also become associated with the federal holiday and three-day weekend.
A soldier assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment salutes a Medal of Honor recipient's headstone in Arlington National Cemetery during "Flags In," Arlington, Va., May 22, 2025. Credit: Army Sgt. Nathan Winter
This makes it all the more important to honor the purpose of the day properly. Memorial Day more closely resembles a national day of mourning rather than a celebration.
The National Monument of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. local time to commemorate and reflect on those who died in service to our country.
Big picture view:
The modern balance between remembrance and recreation continues to shape how the holiday is observed across the country. Even as millions travel or gather with family, the day’s central meaning remains tied to acknowledging military personnel who never returned home.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Department of Defense and the National Cemetery Administration. This story was reported from Orlando.