Memorial Day is known as a federal holiday to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the country's armed forces. This American culture holiday, which is celebrated every year on the last Monday of May, was formally known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. During the 20th century, Memorial Day was extended to honor all Americans who have died while in a military service. Memorial Day has also been known to mark the start of the American summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks the end.
Flags displayed to honor those who died in service at Arlington National Cemetary
More importably Memorial Day is to honor those men and women who sacrificed their lives in defense for the United States. It is not to be confused with Veteran's Day, which specifically celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. In honor of Memorial Day, many people volunteer to visit cemeteries and memorials in order to place a flag on each soldier's grave to honor them.
Countries around the world celebrate similar observances or holidays throughout the year that are similar to America's Memorial Day. Many of their practices commemorate honors specifically for World War I and World War II.
Poppies are used to honor those who have fallen in the United Kingdom, France, and Canada
In the United Kingdom, they refer to it as Remembrance Sunday. They hold ceremonies across the country on the Sunday closest to November 11, the day Germany signed the armistice ending hostilities during World War I. In modern time, it memorializes all British fallen soldiers in all conflicts since the Great War. "Remembrance Poppies" are displayed and worn as per tradition inspired by Canadian poet John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields," and on November 11th at 11 a.m., the time of the signing of the armistice, the UK holds a two minute silence. Canada holds a similar ceremony and celebration also on November 11th.
In France, Armistice Day is observed on November 11th, with poppy adornments, special church services, and ceremonies. Their holiday has come to recognize all the country's war dead, and the 1.4 million people killed in World War I.
In New Zealand and Australia, it is known as Anzac Day. Anzac Day is on April 25th and commemorates their servicemen and women who have died. Anzac stands for "Australian and New Zealand Army Corps," and falls on the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. This was the first major military action by both forces in the first World War which lead to a campaign that would fuel the building of a national consciousness in both countries.
National Unity and Armed Forces day is celebrated in Italy on November 4th. This is the day that Austria-Hungary surrendered to the Italians in 1918. They hold ceremonies commemorating the armed forces killed in action.
South Korea observes a Memorial Day on June 6th, which is in the same month the Korean War began. They hold a one minute silence at 10 a.m. to honor their servicemen and civilians who have died for their country.
So from America, to the United Kingdom, to Australia and New Zealand, France, Italy, and South Korea, many countries hold ceremonies to offer those who sacrificed their lives in defense of their nation. These are just a few of the holidays, but one important message should come from this idea.
On Memorial Day, remember those who fought for your freedom, fought for your country, and sacrificed their lives so that you could live a long and prosperous life. Near and far, all over the world, honor those and celebrate with your families in Memorial.
