For centuries, people have set aside special days for remembering and honoring soldiers who died in wars that were fought for their country and their freedom. Memorial Day is a federal, or national, holiday that use to be called Decoration Day, a day for honoring soldiers who died in battle. Decoration Day started after the American Civil War to honor the Union soldiers who had died fighting against the Confederate soldiers for the freedom of slaves. In 1865, after four years of fighting, the Union won, and slavery was made illegal. Women and children in the South began decorating the graves of Confederate soldiers every year in May. By the 1900s Memorial Day, was made into the day where everyone remembers all the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day also typically marks the beginning of summer vacation, and Labors Day marks its end.
Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?
