Memorial Day is celebrated in the United States on the last Monday in May. For 2010 that is May 31st. (The date was changed from May 30th to the last Monday in May in 1968 through the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays – Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, and Veterans to Monday’s, in order to create three day weekends.) It is a federal holiday (formerly known as Decoration Day) honoring U.S. men and women who have died in service of their country. It was first enacted to honor the Union soldiers of the American Civil War, and was expanded after World War I.
The gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are graced with American flags during the Memorial Day holiday. Many families and communities follow this custom for their own family members and friends, decorating graves in local cemeteries with small American flags.
There are several different ways in which Memorial Day is celebrated. There is a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. The flag of the United States is flown at half-staff from dawn until noon, local times. Volunteers place flags on the graves at national cemeteries. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars accept donations for poppies. This is also a time for family gatherings and picnics.
They fought for their country, they gave their lives for their country – for our country. Let's take the time on this day to offer a prayer of thanks.