Why We Observe Memorial Day

As Certified Veterans Funeral Specialists, we are honored to support Veterans and their families through the end-of-life journey. We invite you to learn more about the history and meaning behind Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Learn why this solemn celebration is always the last Monday in May, the significance of red poppies, and how you can pay respect to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

From Decoration Day to Memorial Day

What began as an informal tribute in the turbulent aftermath of the Civil War became a federal holiday dedicated to America’s fallen service members. The first observance of the holiday came in 1868, but the standardized federal holiday approved by Congress began in 1971.

Local communities began decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers as early as April of 1866, one year after the war ended. People laid flowers and flags on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. From Richmond, Virginia, to Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, small towns and cities paid homage to fallen service members from America’s deadliest war.

In 1868, a group of Union Veterans called the Grand Army of the Republic helped organize the first large-scale observance at Arlington National Cemetery. General Ulysses S. Grant was among those who attended. May 30 became known as Decoration Day because spring flowers were in bloom and used to decorate military graves.

The Unofficial Start of Summer

For decades, Memorial Day was observed on May 30. In 1968, Congress established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees and others. Since the law was enacted in 1971, Memorial Day weekend has become the unofficial start of summer.

Memorial Day and Veterans Day: What’s the Difference?

Although both holidays honor those who serve, Memorial Day and Veterans Day are different:

• Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
• Veterans Day recognizes all who have served – past and present.

Understanding the distinction ensures that each group is honored appropriately.

Appropriate Memorial Items: Flags, Flowers, and Momentos

Placing a small American flag on a Veteran’s gravesite or memorial is always appropriate. You may also put a flag from their branch of service – United States Marine Corps, U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard. Family members or friends might place something that reminds them of their loved one’s service job, such as a model jet or submarine.

Why Red Poppies Represent Fallen Soldiers

Poppies became the symbol for fallen soldiers in World War I. John McCrae was a brigade surgeon for an Allied artillery unit in Belgium. After surviving a tremendous battle, McCrae was so touched by the sight of red poppies blooming in that same area – Flanders Field – that he wrote a poem. Many Veteran organizations distribute poppy lapel pins or other poppy-themed decorations on Memorial Day.

Respect Cemetery Rules on Flowers

People also use carnations, roses, lilies, and daisies for Memorial Day. Just be sure to check with the cemetery or memorial park’s guidelines for floral arrangements. Some prefer that you bring real flowers that naturally disintegrate, while others allow artificial flowers.

What It Means to Leave a Coin on a Grave

The ancient Romans placed coins on the graves of fallen soldiers to ensure their souls could pay for passage into the afterlife. In modern times, the custom of putting a coin on the headstone or memorial of a service member notifies the family that you’ve paid your respect.

Simple Ways to Honor Fallen Heroes

Looking to honor America’s fallen service members this Memorial Day? Here are a few thoughtful gestures:

• Visit a Veterans cemetery or war memorial.
• Attend a local Memorial Day parade or ceremony.
• Choose a thoughtful memorial gift from our Veterans Collection.
• Display the American flag at half-staff until noon.
• Decorate your home in red, white, and blue.
• Donate to a reputable Veterans organization.

Even small acts can carry profound meaning.

Resources for Veterans 

We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to America’s Veterans. We invite you to explore our resources for Veteran-related articles. You can learn more about Veteran benefits, how to write a Veteran’s obituary, find a gift for someone after the loss of a Veteran, and the meaning and observance of Veteran funeral traditions.