Learn American Holidays - Memorial Day

hi everyone I'm Alisha Memorial Day in the United States dates back to the

Civil War it's one of the two major u.s. holidays specifically associated with

fallen soldiers it was more popular at the beginning of the 20th century than

it is today but it's still an important holiday in the US

Memorial Day was not always known by its current name can you guess what this

holiday was originally named hint the original name has to do with

decorations we'll show you the answer at the end of this video

cemeteries in the u.s. are usually decorated with flags on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is also typically marked by the firing of large guns or multi gun

salutes in veteran cemeteries the families of fallen soldiers will

oftentimes go to the grave of their lost family member to remember them on this

day this holiday is celebrated on the last Monday of May

Memorial Day has expanded in its scope over the years originally only for the

Fallen Union and Confederate soldiers from the Civil War it became more

inclusive of the Fallen from other wars over the years today it's more of a day

of remembrance of the dead in general with a focus on military members

Memorial Day parades with plenty of patriotic imagery are very common

Memorial Day is oftentimes the day or close to the day when schools let out

for the summer in the US this is part of the reason that the holiday is so much

associated with summer tourism families that visit the graves of fallen soldiers

and those who do not often have cookouts on this day to celebrate the beginning

of the warm summer months and their children's time off from school

Memorial Day and Veterans Day are the two holidays in the United States that

are closely tied to military members and those who fell in service both holidays

have evolved over the years and now here's the answer to the quiz

can you guess what Memorial Day was originally named Memorial Day was

originally called decoration day the name and the holiday itself have both

changed a great deal over the years but it still remains an important day for

veterans and their families how is this lesson did you learn something

interesting do you have a similar day of remembrance in your country please leave

a comment at English class 101.com until next time