Memorial day is a patriotic holiday that was originally created in the United States
to honor military personnel who died in the Civil War.
Today, memorial day also honors those who died to defend the United States in all wars.
This photograph shows a hand crafted brass cannon that was used during the civil war.
The Last Monday in May ...
is the time when most states in the Unites States observe Memorial Day as a legal holiday.
Memorial Day was declared a legal holiday in most states during 1971.
Many Southern states have their own time for honoring the Confederate cause
(For example, Mississippi celebrates confederate Memorial Day during the last day in May).
Flowers, particularly poppies, are used extensively as decorations during Memorial Day.
Flowers are used to decorate military gravesites, and during the dedication of memorials, military exercises, and special programs.
US Ports honor those who died at sea by floating small model ships filled with flowers.
On Memorial Day the United States flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon.
In the morning, the flag should momentarily be raised to the top, before lowering to half-staff.
Memorial Day ceremonies traditionally include the reading of President Lincoln's
"Gettysburg Address".
Memorial Day began on May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, New York.
Flags were flown at half-mast, businesses were closed, and people decorated the graves of civil war soldiers.
Today, Gettysburg National Park and the National Cemetery hold renowned Memorial Day ceremonies.
