Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a national day of remembrance to honor military veterans who have died in service to the United States during peace and war. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed as a federal holiday on the last Monday in May each year.
Memorial Day’s origins date back to the U.S. Civil War, when Americans began holding tributes each spring during the late 1860s, placing red poppies and wildflowers on the graves of fallen soldiers who had been killed in battle. General John A. Logan, a leader of Northern Civil War veterans, designated May 30, 1868, as the first official Decoration Day to commemorate soldiers’ sacrifices.
Today, Memorial Day honors more than 1 million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War began in 1861. It is recognized with modern-day traditions that include a National Moment of Remembrance, the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, and numerous memorial services, parades, and speeches taking place nationwide.
The National Park Service takes a moment to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty and reflect on their service and sacrifice. An audio described version of the video is available on the National Park Service's Memorial Day page.
Local Memorial Day Events this Weekend
Various events will be held this weekend, including the following annual remembrance displays:
Memorial Day Flag Garden at the Boston Common
Wednesday, May 22 - Monday, March 27
Boston Common, Boston, MA
Over 37,000+ flags are planted every year at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. These flags represent every brave Massachusetts service member who gave his or her life defending our country since the Revolutionary War.
Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial in Newport
Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27
Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island's annual Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial will take place during Memorial Day Weekend at Fort Adams, in Newport, Rhode Island. The memorial honors post 9/11 service members who were killed in action during the Global War on Terror. Hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., and Monday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
2024 Memorial Day Flag Display on the Cape
Saturday, May 25 - Saturday, June 1
Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave, Bourne, MA
Operation: Flags for Vets will again be honoring our beloved veterans by placing over 77,000 flags at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne for Memorial Day. Anyone can attend the placement of the flags - the ceremony and flag placement will take place on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. Anyone interested can also take part in the removal of the flags, which will happen on Saturday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m.
Communication developed by Kristina England.