Memorial Day Traditions and Activities To Do!!!

On Memorial Day, families and communities all over the country take time to remember those who gave their lives for our country. People in the United States celebrate this holiday in many different ways. Read about some of the most common things to do on Memorial Day below.

Watch The National Memorial Day Concert

The National Memorial Day Concert is an annual event that is held on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Sunday before Memorial Day. The concert is televised live on PBS and features a mix of patriotic music, military tributes, and performances by well-known actors and musicians

At 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT, the PBS program airs. Be sure to check local listings to be sure of the airtime in your region.

Displaying The Flag

On Memorial Day, the flag of the United States should be flown at half-staff until noon. The flag should be raised to the top for a moment in the morning and then lowered to half-staff. The POW/MIA flag is another way for Americans to show respect for prisoners of war and people who were lost in action.

Visiting Grave Sites

Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day because people put flowers on the graves of their war dead to honor them. Many people in the United States make special flower arrangements and take them with their families to the graves of their loved ones and ancestors.

Participating In The National Moment Of Remembrance

According to a resolution passed by Congress in 2000, Americans stop wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time to remember and honor those who have died.

Visiting Local Veterans’ Homes And Hospitals

Many American veterans who are still alive need long-term medical care or help with housing, and they can often feel like they are being forgotten. Memorial Day is a great time to let them know how much we appreciate what they and their families and friends lost in battle have done for us.

Experiencing The Nation’s Memorials

Memorial Day is also a good time to visit national memorials in Washington, D.C., or read about them. It’s also a good time to learn about local memorials around the country.

Brushing Up On Family And American History

On Memorial Day, Americans like to read about their family history, look at old photos, and learn about their ancestors, especially those who died serving their country. It’s also a time to read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and other historic and patriotic speeches by presidents and leaders of the armed services.

Wearing Memorial Day Poppies

The poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrea, written in 1915, gave rise to the tradition of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day. Moina Michael, a woman who worked during the war, promised to always wear red silk poppies as a way to “keep the faith with all those who died.” She started a tradition that is now done in the US, UK, France, Australia, and more than 50 other countries.