Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday that occurs annually on the last Monday of May, honoring those that have passed away while in the U.S. military and will occur in 2021 on Monday, May 31.

Initially known as Decoration Day, it began soon after the Civil War and turned into a government authority holiday in 1971. Currently, many Americans celebrate Memorial Day by visiting the burial grounds of those that were once in the U.S. military, but some hold family gatherings and many watch marches. According to the History website, some Memorial Day traditions include, “Cities and towns across the United States host[ing] Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.”

The Civil War, which finished in the spring of 1865, caused a bigger number of lives than any contention in U.S. history and required the foundation of the country’s first public burial grounds. By the late 1860s, Americans in different towns and urban areas started holding springtime celebrations for fallen troopers, honoring their graves with flags and flowers. But the first official Memorial Day occurred in 1868 on May 30, and the fallen soldiers were honored and celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery.

All in all, Memorial Day is a national holiday that is celebrated on May 31 and will honor fallen heroes who lost their lives while protecting our country. Happy Memorial Day and stay safe Eagles!