Citizens living in the United States have observed Memorial Day since the middle part of the 19th century. It was originally recognized on May 30 until an official declaration set the celebration on the final Monday of May. The holiday was established to focus attention on those military members who gave their lives in service to their country. The honor was once reserved for soldiers who served in the Civil War but following World Word II all war veterans were included in this national tribute.

Originally known as Decorating Day, people marked the occasion by placing flowers around grave sites. The current named was first used in 1882 and officially adopted in 1968. Current traditions include the decorating of every gravestone in Arlington National Cemetery with a miniature American flag. Volunteers around the country carry on this tradition in various national cemeteries.

Another tradition is to fly the flag at half mast from dawn until noon. At 3:00 p. M. Local time, citizens are encouraged participate in a national moment of remembrance as a silent tribute.

An annual concert has been staged on the lawn outside the Capitol building for the past two decades. The festive event is hosted and televised by PBS and includes live music, dramatic readings and documentary film footage to mark the occasion.

In 1915, a poet named Moina Michael came up with the idea of wearing a red poppy in commemoration of those who died in war. She sold poppies to raise money for servicemen in need. Within a decade, the VFW picked up on this custom and became the first organization to sell the poppies nationally. Known as the Buddy Poppy program, residents in homes for veterans and patients in medical facilities prepare the poppies and collect donations.

People living in America have now come to think of Memorial Day weekend as the start of the summer season. The school year has ended and families are free to gather together for a trip to the beach, a pool party or a barbecue. Retailers also use the long weekend to attract consumers by offering seasonal discounts.