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Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. It was first called Decoration Day when begun in 1865 by former African slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. It was created to honor the Union soldiers who fought during the Civil War.

In 1866, the holiday started being celebrated in New York and nationwide celebration was promoted in 1868. In 1967, it was given the new official name and it was officially became a federal holiday in 1971. It was at that time that the day was switched from the original date of May 30th to the final Monday in May.

From the time of World War I, the day began being used for honoring all Americans who died during wars, no only during the Civil War. Currently, it is also often used as a day to remember all loved ones who have passed on, rather than soldiers only. For example, many people go to visit graves on this day.

In honor of the soldiers who have died in military service, many communities have parades and fireworks to celebrate the day. There is a national moment of remembrance that is supposed to take place at 3 in the afternoon, local time. The U. S. flag is also flown at half-staff until mid-day. A national memorial concert also takes place on the lawn of the Capitol.

These traditions aside, Memorial Day is now often thought of more as the start of summer than a day for remembrance. Some consider that this is at least partly due to the change from the original date. This three day weekend marks the start of barbecues and of trips to beaches for many. A lot of sales take place on this weekend. Since 1911, the Sunday of this final weekend has also been the day of the Indianapolis 500.

At this time, the school year ends for many. For people in states with colder climates, the temperature is just getting warm enough that the outdoors can really be enjoyed and swimming may be a possibility. Looking forward to those things has made Memorial Day a national holiday that is beloved, even if it isn’t necessarily for the original reason.

Learn more about Memorial Day 2011 topics. Stop by HomeFellas where you can find Memorial Day sales.