Learn about Memorial Day in the US
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| Hi everyone, I'm Alisha. |
| Memorial Day in the United States dates back to the Civil War. It's one of the two major US holidays specifically associated with fallen soldiers. It was more popular at the beginning of the twentieth 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 US 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's 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 Veteran's 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 was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Do you have a similar day of remembrance in your country? |
| Please leave a comment at EnglishClass101.com |
| Until next time! |
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